Hillwood Primary School pupils joined some 25 000 other pupils across the Cape Flats, on International Literacy Day, Wednesday September 8, for a “big read” to launch a new book.
The children each received a copy of Yola and the Trusted Crown, written by Siphokazi Madlingozi and illustrated by Thabiso Gcwensa.
The story is about a girl, Yola, who goes back to school after the Covid-19 pandemic and learns how to navigate with new rules to keep everyone safe from the virus.
Principal Gavin Alkana said it was an honour to have the book launched at the school. He thanked all those who had made the day possible and stressed the importance of fostering a love for reading and giving pupils the tools to succeed.
The book was commissioned by Coronation Fund Managers. Wendy Bergsteedt, from Coronation, said the event tied in with the Coronation and Living Through Learning’s reading adventure room, which was set up at the school earlier this year.
“Yola and the Trusted Crown is a locally inspired home-grown story that shares a positive message of resilience and hope for the children in learning to cope with the impacts of Covid-19,” she said.
The book is available in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Sesotho, and a free copy can be downloaded from coronation.com