Jozi Book Fair and Children's Project Partners

The meeting took place on the 11th of February 2011 at Khanya College from 10:00 – 14:00. In attendance were about 15 people from organisations such as Penguin Publishers, Molteno, Read, Penny, Thembi's Children, Ukhozi stories and Minichand Barharilal Literacy Services and others:

The aim of the meeting was to :

  • To introduce participants to Khanya College and Jozi Book Fair's Children's Project

  • To bring together organisations and individuals who work with children's literature and education to provide advice, information and share their expriences with JBF and others

  • To provide information and advice to JBF on how the children's project can raise resources and support for its programmes

  • To provide momentum and a build-up to the planned JBF Children's Roundtable and the launch of Masilo le Masilonyana Children's Drop-in Centre

 Molefe gave a briefing about the Khanya College and the origins of the Jozi Book Fair. He also gave a briefing on different organizations that the College is working with, an extensive narrative on the different parts of the College's Projects that the JBF is working with.

 The aim of the meeting was to give an insight on the worrying fact that there is no culture of reading and writing in South Africa especially amongst in poor working class communities. It is a vital factor that begs for critical scrutiny. It is imperative that we look at ways to engage on what can be done to address and fix this societal ill. The climax of the meeting was a well-received announcement that the Children's Project is already working with children of all age groups since it's inception.

 Molefe also took an opportunity to highlight different projects that run under JBF. He also elaborated that these projects in their capacity want to get involved with the kids as well.

The issues that were tackled on the day ranged from suggestions and problems that different organizations face in combating the non-existant culture of reading. Thembi from “Thembi's Children” suggested that there should be an organised methodology in monitoring libraries and book clubs. This she said will bring her closer to identifying problems within the sphere of working with kids.

Lizelle from “Read” was also in support of the children's project and asked that those in attendance give full support of this space and what it aims to achieve. This propelled everyone to see the need of resuscitating the culture of reading in our communities and creches. 

One aspect that was highlighted by Bongani from “'Ukhozi Stories”,who is also a self-defence teacher, was that children must be given attention so they can have a sense of ownership of what they are involved in, to the agreement of Abigail from Penguin Publishers.

 “ The need to focus on our culture is of critical importance and we need to start from the root in order for our kids to start learning”. This was Molefe Pilane's contribution to the meeting and pledged the organizations to start instilling that in their field of working with kids.

 Wayforward :

  • That the organisations and individuals attending the meeting assist JBF Children's project with information, advice and resources that it might need

  • That JBF keep in contact with all the participating organisations and individuals and update them on all developments taking place within JBF Children's project