The FunDza Literacy Trust’s “popularising reading” programme is well on track. As part of the programme, FunDza donates books from the hugely popular Harmony High series to beneficiary organisations that work to improve literacy and grow a love of reading amongst teens and young adults – the ultimate beneficiaries of FunDza’s non-profit trust.
Since April 2011, FunDza has donated more than 1700 books to beneficiary organisations. So far, more than 50 organisations have applied to join the beneficiary partner programme. And, interest in the programme is growing exponentially. New beneficiaries include: Legacy Community Development, Greater Stellenbosch Development Trust, Over the Rainbow, Vision Afrika, Cape Academy of Maths, Science and Technology, Malikhanye Senior Secondary School, Nelson Mandela Institute, Kuyasa, ITEC, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy, Harvest High School and various Ikamva Youth centres in Ivory Park, Ebony Park, Nyanga, Macassar amongst others.
Beneficiary partners commit to monitoring the usage of the books and providing FunDza with regular reports and feedback.
Early research shows that the most popular methods of using the books to get teens reading is either one-on-one support or in small facilitator-led reading groups. An overwhelming majority of the organisations said that the books were having a highly positive change in their group’s attitude to reading.
While the current three titles are more appealing to girls, boys seem to enjoy them too. With this in mind, though, FunDza is looking forward to providing more “boys” stories in the future. The next title in the Harmony High series – Too Young to Die – should be released in February.
Our research shows that on average approximately 10 people read each book donated in the first six months of it being given to a beneficiary group. So this translates into an estimated 17 000 “reads” of the donated material.
To apply to become a beneficiary partner organisation, click here to complete the online form.
And, if you are interested in supporting our “popularising reading” programme by helping FunDza to supply books to needy organisations, contact Nicci Giles to find out how you can get involved.