Building A Better Future Through the Mmangwana Literacy Project (WFWP South Africa)

Written by: Flory Ledwaba

On March 12, 2022, Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) South Africa launched a literacy project at Moses Kotane Primary School in Braamficsherville, Soweto, Johannesburg. The project aims to bring the world of books closer to those who need them the most. It provides an environment where vulnerable youth can find a pocket of solace and create a foundation to start early childhood learning in the community. There were 40 children, parents and community leaders in attendance. There were singing, playing games, storytelling and engaging in arts and crafts activities. The enthusiastic children were delighted to see and read the books provided by the project.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the majority of the children could not attend school. When they were able to, it would be two or three days per week. On days they could not be at school, they would either be looking after their young siblings because the parents were at work or loitering around. They do not have a supportive environment or time to study. A sizable number of these kids are falling behind with their studies.

The storytelling session helps the children learn the value of books and stories. It is an enjoyable experience for the children that spark their imagination and stimulate curiosity. The handwriting workbooks compiled for the project aim to give the children a head start in fine motor skills development.

We laid a collection of books on the table and let the children see, feel and choose a book to read. It was an adventurous day, with some parents joining the activity. We also had a fun arts and craft recycling activity decorating a used box to make it an organizer. Thus, promoting upcycling used items as part of the WFWP environmental sustainability awareness program.

We want to thank WFWPI for providing us with the means to do Mmangwana Mobile library project. It makes a substantial difference in the lives of the children who need it the most in the community.