Mentz Reading Paradise is reviving the reading and learning culture in Mankweng
With their aim to promote literacy and cultivate the culture of reading and writing, the team educates children from the age of one to 15 and helps them to read with understanding.
POLOKWANE –Â After realising the need for a library in the rural community of Mentz nearby Mankweng, Marther Setsiba and her team established Mentz Reading Paradise to revive the culture of learning and reading in their community.
With their aim to promote literacy and cultivate the culture of reading and writing, the team educates children from the age of one to 15 and helps them to read with understanding.
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“Mentz Reading Paradise is a literacy initiative which is registered with the Department of Social Development and Nal’ibali to promote the love of reading and storytelling from a young age,” Portia Madia explained.
Mmakgomo Maahlo said they used to have enough books but have read them all. She added that they struggle to receive funding or sponsorship. “We need storybooks every now and then, we lack stationery and toys which will help children read and write as well as snacks, transport, laptops and printers,” she added.
The club helps other communities to start their own reading clubs as Mentz Reading Paradise might be far from them. “People who are not from Mentz but want their children to be part of the centre can call us so that we can come to their community and help them start their own reading club,” Portia explained.
Mmakgomo said they are still searching for qualified teachers who will volunteer to help the children with their homework and assignments. “We need volunteers who will help us so that we can start afternoon care,” she added.
The team says anyone who might have any books, newspapers, magazines and any other reading material which they are not using can contact them on Facebook: Mentz Reading Paradise, Mmakgomo Maahlo at 076 890 7211 or Portia Madia at 076 325 3807.
