Kids over the moon with new storybooks in Tshivenda

Tshedza and Zwigodini preschools’ kids were the first to receive their box of Book Dash storybooks. For many of them it is the first time they hear, see and have access to a storybook, let alone one in their very own Tshivenda language!

Tshedza preschool, unlocking potential, releasing creativity with exploring books!

We have divided the first hundred Book dash books, funded by Skoon, into five boxes or mini libraries, to be distributed to five preschools in rural Venda. The cost of one hundred children’s storybooks is currently, a thousand Rands at Book Dash.

Rural teachers learning how to use their mini library of brand new storybooks.

The teachers at these two schools were then trained how to read to the children and how to keep the books in a good condition.  The kids were so excited when the teachers immediately started reading it to them and, once they got the hang of it, participated with gusto.

Two of the books in each box are written in their mother-tongue Tshivenda, most of the others are in English. Some of the books are without text, yet full of colourful pictures. This allows the kids and teachers to make up their own stories with new twists about what is happening and so encourage a cooperative, innovative spirit during these important formative years of children.

Book Dash’s research shows that owning books is a key factor in holistic early development and lifelong academic and economic success: the effect of owning books outweighs a child’s socio-economic status and is equaled only by parents’ level of education.

First lunch and then story time.

By working together to increase book access and ownership among young children, we can effectively disrupt a cycle of inequality for good.

Continue reading....

Find more interesting articles below

Baobab Fruit Monitoring

Baobab Fruit Monitoring

Dr Sarah Venter is researching the long-term patterns of baobab fruit production between different landscapes over a period of multiple years. This research provides important insights into the natural variability of baobab fruit production helping EcoProducts ensure that their harvesting practices remain sustainable .

Read more
New Harvesting Season

New Harvesting Season

This week we had our first collection workshop for the year. It was a beautiful crisp winter morning. When we headed out it was very early and the dew still hung on the baobab leaves. Everybody was in high spirits for the start of the collection season. Baobab fruit have started to ripen and drop off […]

Read more
Sunset Baobab trees

Sunset Baobab trees

In the last of our series featuring photographer Vanessa Bristow’s wonderful work, we leave you with these simply stunning photos of baobab trees at sunset.  It’s not difficult to see where EcoProducts got its inspiration from for its striking logo! 🙂

Read more