Reading and Learning Rooms - Easy Access to Education

27 June, 11:30 a.m., Annex
Hosted by Frankfurt Book Fair Literacy Campaign (LITcam)

In our globalized world, basic education is a vital prerequisite to lead an independent and self-reliant life. It is also necessary to be informed. In order to improve access to reading and learning material, LitCam brings the book and reading experience into townships in South Africa. LitCam started the Reading and Learning Rooms (RaL Rooms) project in Khayelitsha and Mfuleni in July 2010. The project promotes reading and writing but also supports the children and youth of the townships by providing them with more opportunities to learn. The RaL Rooms enable informal access to books and educational material on an ongoing basis. Mawonga Mcuba, a highly motivated science teacher, gives extra lessons in the afternoon to develop their interest and skills in natural sciences. Furthermore, LitCam organizes regular readings and workshops, for example on topics such as security, hygiene and nutrition. We also cooperate in another Reading and Learning Room with Equal Education, who uses media to campaign for better education in the townships.

Panelists:

Dwane, Yoliswa
Head of Communications, Policy and Research - Equal Education (formerly known as AERO), South Africa

Gopalakrishnan, Manasi
Deutsche Welle Project, Womentalkonline

Lucas, Grahame (Moderator)
Head of South Asia Service, Deutsche Welle, Germany

Plötz, Karin
Director, LitCam, Germany

Pillay, Verashni
Online Deputy Editor, Mail & Guardian, South Africa