InstaStory Books hopes to answer South African reading problem  

InstaStory Books, an initiative by Hollard Insurance Company and Kago Ya Bana, is aimed at creating a platform for authors and children aged three to five to have access to books.

The Kago Ya Bana programme is passionate about making a lasting contribution to building a strong foundation for South African children to reach their full potential.

This is done by partnering with a local and national government, NGOs and communities. On Wednesday, 14 August the company hosted publisher and author of children’s books, Jenny Hatton to help some of the keen authors with an informal workshop on writing for children.

The author of Finding Aunt Joan, Moving house and Swimming in the Sun told writers and aspiring children’s books authors that writing was something you try out and grow into. “It is something you learn as you practise,” she said.

She said most people think writing children’s books is easy. “A children’s story normally has 500 words or below and with InstaStory you looking at 50 words.”

Hatton, however, advised aspiring authors to ask for children’s books when visiting book stores and to talk to children and observe their behaviour as this would help them get writing inspiration and relate to children.

Hollard chief marketing officer, Heidi Brauer, said InstaStory Book aims to help solve the problem faced by the country. She said the company developed an interest to help children following an established problem that most children couldn’t read for meaning in any language. “We have a real problem in this country. An opportunity to learn is compromised if you can’t read and comprehend,” she said.

Hollard is using the power of social media to encourage authors and aspiring writers to tell a story and ensure children can easily access books. “While we have initially partnered with Kago Ya Bana, it doesn’t mean that these books won’t be available to everybody. Anyone can access these books.”

“The statistics of reading in this country is that almost eight in 10 children at Grade 4 level are not able to read in a way that allows them to comprehend,” said Brauer.

She said the initiative was a start to give children access to reading material and allow them to start a journey of being able to read and understand.

“It doesn’t mean only in English, it means in any language. It’s a passion that develops children who have access to words and reading and helps them create a better future for themselves and the future of the countries,” she said.

The insurance company invited anyone who feels they have stories in them for children, to create and submit through the website and InstaStory Books page.

“We need to control the quality of what we give, what we put in the hands of our children, we do have a look at it first,” she said.

Details: Hollard Insurance Company