Teen beauty queens reign over reading
THE UNAMANDLA-Isagoentle Foundation recently celebrated International Literacy Day in style with a vibrant book donation drive at the Kimberley Public Library.
The event was a huge success, with enthusiastic participation from young models and teenage beauty queens who filled the children’s reading section of the library, bringing energy and excitement to the programme.
Organised in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Education, which received the donated books, the event highlighted the importance of reading and learning for the next generation.
The initiative was also supported by the provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
The young models, adorned in their sashes and tiaras, engaged in various stimulating games designed to enhance concentration and creativity among young readers. Attendees were also provided with valuable study tips.
International Literacy Day, established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) in 1966, serves as a reminder of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights and is celebrated on September 8.
According to the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa were unable to read for meaning, indicating a significant struggle with reading comprehension across all languages.
In an effort to address this challenge, the collected books will be donated to struggling primary schools by the Department of Education.
The event was the brainchild of 16-year-old Unamandla Vilakazi, who recognised the need to kick off Literacy Month by gathering much-needed children’s books for schools in the Northern Cape.
Unamandla, who was crowned Miss Teen Mundial South Africa 2023, emphasised the significance of the book drive.
She explained that the donated books play a crucial role in sparking interest for those struggling to access age-appropriate reading material.
“We had a few books donated to our foundation, and these books will be donated to the Department of Education. Literacy and being able to read are very important because literacy allows us to connect with the outside world, which is why as a foundation we champion such a cause,” said Unamandla.
The book donation initiative is one of several activation projects planned in the lead-up to the Unamandla-Isagoentle Foundation hosting the Miss Teen Universe 2024 pageant, which will take place from October 31 to November 10. This prestigious event will be staged in the Northern Cape, Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Aspiring models aiming for the crown will arrive in South Africa on the last day of October to participate in the various events.
“The book collection was not just a celebration but a stepping stone to an international pageant that will be hosted right here in South Africa. The pageant embodies the spirit of empowering others, which is also what literacy is about - empowering others through our words,” said Unamandla.
“It is important that the queen who will be crowned is literate, so she can stand for something and be an inspiration,” Unamandla added.
The current reigning queen, Lynette Arce-Garcia from Cuba, will crown the winner of the 2024 pageant. Tickets for the events will be available for purchase at the end of September.
Multi-award-winning singer and songwriter Yvonne Chaka Chaka will be among the judges for Miss Teen Universe.
Additional activation projects are planned for this month in anticipation of the pageant. Book donations will be accepted until the end of Literacy Month in September.
