Newclare Primary School, Johannesburg

Newclare Primary School is a no-fee paying school situated in a poor, struggling community that deals with drugs, alcohol and street gangs. Even though the school is well maintained, luxuries are definitely not on the menu, and there are no funds for library books. So it was extra special that ABCA could donate books to the school library – especially as the school has started a new initiative to encourage the students to read and improve literacy.

We were extremely fortunate to obtain sponsorships for two Hooked on Books shows for the junior and senior students. This type of activity is usually not an option for these children, and they more than paid us back in the excitement, laughter and enjoyment as they experienced a little bit of magic.

The juniors treated us to a mini concert as they sang for us while waiting for the show to start. But they were soon captivated by the show as it unfolded in front of their eyes. Some of them were called to join in the show and they performed like true pros! They clapped and shouted, danced and laughed and did not want the magic to end. True to form, the senior primary tweens and teens sauntered into the hall to see what was going on, feigning disinterest. They were soon enchanted by the energy and showmanship of the actors. Those who joined in the show blew us away with their calm confidence! By the end of the show, the actors had the audience eating out of their hands. The kids clapped and shouted at the end of the show and did not want it to end. The Hooked on Books actors said that this was one of the best shows they’ve had the fortune of experiencing because of the joy of the children.

When I told the school the books from the show were all in their library, they were so excited. The school principal and teachers were grateful that we were able to do this for them, as encouraging reading is a very important part of their ethos. We were treated like celebrities...they kept on referring to the "ladies who came all the way from Australia" 🙂 They served us a delicious tea and we received gifts in appreciation from the school.

Thank you for all your hard work in getting books to us in South Africa - you really are turning lives around!

Written by Andrea Wainer

August 2023