Submitted by:  Stacey-Lee Leijenaar

Nelson Mandela said “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”

During COVID-19 the disparity in wealth in South Africa, already obvious, become even more so. For many students their schooling has continued with online classes and access to online resources. However, for many children in South Africa, this is not a possibility. They are not as fortunate, with their education stalling with the start of the lockdown.

Read a children’s book and record it on a WhatsApp message

In the South African spirit of ubuntu, Pamela Kantor, a teacher from Johannesburg that teaches many students from the Alexandra township, knew that she needed to do something to help. In a moment of inspiration, she wrote to her family and friends on social media with a simple request.

“All I’m asking is for you to read a children’s book and record it on a WhatsApp message. That way I will be able to send it to my principal who will be able to send it to the different grades. Please…it will only take a few minutes and you will be helping the kids so much. It will bring such joy to them knowing people in the different communities are thinking about them. Please share with your friends who may want to help.”

Thousands of stories were coming in not just from South Africa but from countries all across the globe

From this small acorn, a truly mighty oak has grown. The idea developed wings and quickly grew far beyond Pamela’s own class. In the days following her request Pamela was inundated with messages containing stories for her to send on. Her post had gone viral, thousands of stories were coming in not just from South Africa but from countries all across the globe. Teachers, parents, and even fellow students have become involved.

Videos of authors reading their own work followed. The initiative continues to grow daily. The story of Read for Hope was even picked up by CGTV and can be viewed online.  Pamela believes that all this has occurred because people want to make a difference. Read for Hope gives them the means to do so, despite being under lock down.

“It has given people a sense of purpose, a sense of community and has brought a smile to the faces of people from all different walks of life.”

Nelson Mandela said “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” South Africans have certainly revealed the kind and caring nature of their souls through how quickly they took up this call to answer the needs of its children.

The messages of thanks from the children who have received the stories would melt the hardest of hearts. Read For Hope is hoping to create meaningful change in the lives of children through instilling a love of reading and learning. It is sparking their imaginations and sending a clear message to the children that they are cared about by their fellow South Africans and the global community at large. Pamela has been overwhelmed by how this simple request has evolved into something so much greater.

“All I can say is thank you for the love and support you have shown our children.”

Developing Read For Hope into a movement for educational change

Pamela has not stopped simply because her request was so wonderfully received. Instead the amazing response has galvanized her into further action. With the help and support of her family, teachers that have partnered with her and many other collaborators, including publishing houses, she is looking to develop Read For Hope into a movement for educational change. Read For Hope is building on the solid foundation Pamela created. It now has a dedicated Facebook page and is working with a number of individuals and organisations at a global level in order to extend the initiative and reach many more children.

After all, as Nelson Mandela also said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” So to Pamela we say a heartfelt well done for starting to change the world!