Itsitsa PS wins “Big Read” competition
22 October 2022
Itsitsa Primary school in Mfuleni has won a competition in which learners from 26 schools submitted video performances of “Yola and the Trusted Crown”, a locally authored and illustrated book.
Coronation Fund Managers published the book, written by Siphokazi Madlingozi and illustrated by Thabiso Gcwensa, to celebrate International Literacy Day. The book aims to help learners navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19 with courage, hope, life skills and imagination.
Yola and the Trusted Crown is available in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Sesotho.
Itsitsa won the judges over with the effort they put in to bring the story to life. The judges commended the school for supporting the learners with such passion. “Overall, we were inspired to see the talent, enthusiasm and creativity from all participating schools!”
Hillwood Primary and Kannemeyer Primary won second and third place respectively. The schools won special prizes for their libraries.
Ms. S Mqeke, a Grade 7 English teacher at Itsitsa Primary, said the whole school read the book while wearing crowns. The learners dramatized different scenes which was later combined in a three-minute video. “We decided to use real life material and resources because the vision was to make the story as real as possible. The learners made it easy for us as they were 100% involved and excited to part-take in the competition.”
Mqeke said they were looking forward to renovations to the school library and reading room as part of the first prize. “It was an immense pleasure to take part in the competition and make a difference in our community and learners at large.”
You can download “Yola and the Trusted Crown” for free at the following link: https://lnkd.in/gNg7Y4hD
