We’re blessed with two young, vibrant, smart and literacy-savvy interns, so it would be wrong to not find out how they are enjoying their stint at FunDza so far. We welcomed Tamica Mopp at the start of February and Aimee-Claire Smith a week later. Here’s what they have to say:
Tamica, tell us more about your love of reading and writing?
“I have been reading since I was a little girl. Books are a huge part of my world, it is because of reading that I have found a love for writing and creating stories. I have been writing as a hobby since I was 9 years old. From silly dragon stories and aliens to dramas and love stories. I grew up with the Tintin series as a kid and I loved detective mysteries. I also love Roald Dahl.”
What was your initial impression of FunDza, and how do you feel now?
“I first came across FunDza through the mobi site so my initial impression was that I saw it was a cool way to read fun books online, I’ve always enjoyed it, I still do now. However I have learned that it is not just books that’s available but children stories and blogs as well and actual printed books, which makes me see FunDza as even more awesome! I want more people to know about it.”
And what about the FunDza Fanz stories?
“The FunDza Fanz stories are interesting… it really depends which story I’m reading. There are many heartwarming stories, some funny and some that are extremely sad, as some of the writers experience hard difficulties and makes the story more authentic, yet tragic.”
Any funny stories so far at FunDza?
“Funniest memory would be the random things that happen at office daily. Another funny memory would be the day the staff went to the beach to celebrate a birthday, there were some funny conversations that took place.”
What do you think FunDza does to encourage reading?
“FunDza goes out of it’s way to entertain the readers, by giving them topics that would interest them. As well as encouraging them to improve their reading by the short online courses we offer, which are free. They also communicate to readers via whatsapp – which is pretty cool!”
And how did you first hear about FunDza?
“I first heard about FunDza once I explored the FreeBasics app, I opened it and started reading the stories and thoroughly enjoyed it, I was really thrilled that such a site existed. I then found out that FunDza was situated right here in Muizenberg!”
Aimee-Claire joins us from Pretoria. She made contact with us last year and asked if she could volunteer with us during her gap year.
What is it about reading and writing that draws you in?
“I love the way reading helps me to experience the world differently. I think it helps grow my empathy and understanding of other’s and the lives they lead. Writing, on the other hand, helps me to share my way of seeing the world with others.”
What was your initial impression of FunDza, and how do you feel now?
“From the beginning, I was amazed and excited by the work that FunDza does, and this hasn’t changed!”
What are your thoughts on the impact that FunDza makes?
“I believe that the work that FunDza does is some of the most important work in our country today. As I said earlier, reading grows empathy and understanding, and the more of this we have, the more connected the people of our country will be.”
What first drew you to FunDza?
“I was drawn by FunDza’s vision to nurture young South African writers, as I myself am a young South African writer.”
What some ways in which you think FunDza could reach more youth?
“Just keep doing what we’re doing!”
What is your funniest memory of your time at FunDza thus far?
“Everyone in the FunDza office is wonderful and has a great sense of humour. My coworkers and I joke with each other and tease each other all the time and they keep me laughing every day!”
Thanks, girls! We really are lucky to have you on board and helping us grow new readers and writers!