Nourishing children with food - and books in lockdown

One of the biggest concerns during the period of lockdown is the fact that millions of children in South Africa are dependent on school feeding schemes where they receive at least one nutritious meal per day.

With schools closed for the extended lockdown period, these children, who are already vulnerable, are exposed to hunger and the real prospect of starvation. 

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Food for thought

Thankfully, a few local organisations remain active to provide this service, making food parcels available to families in need during lockdown.

And while these organisations are working to provide physical nourishment, local not-for-profit publisher Book Dash is working to provide food for thought, making high-quality books available to young children. 

An investment in our future

Book Dash believes that reading provides opportunities for early learning, alleviates boredom and acts as a spark for moments of shared joy between caregiver and child.

During a time of thinking about immediate next steps, giving books to children to own is an investment in our future.

The feedback from the organisations has been very positive: "I don’t know who was more excited – the parents receiving the food packs, or the children with their new books!!” 

In the words of one of the moms: “Thank you. My daughter’s spirit is lifted.”

To learn more about supporting Book Dash, visit Bookdash.org. 

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