Philippi Arts Centre Nurtures Young Readers with Engaging Book Quiz

In a commendable display of literary prowess, learners from Philippi's primary schools have demonstrated that the joy of reading is alive and thriving in the heart of their community. The Philippi Arts Centre has once again proven its dedication to fostering a love for literature through its latest initiative, an engaging book quiz that brought together young, enthusiastic minds from the local area.

On a recent Friday, more than forty Grade 3 and 4 learners from four local schools, namely Ntshona, Zanemfundo, Masivuke, and Samora Machel Primary, converged at the Philippi Arts Centre to participate in a stimulating book quiz. The schools were selected to join in this literary event partly due to the efforts of the Philippi Arts Centre in creating vibrant libraries at each institution and ensuring students develop a meaningful relationship with books.

Second place winner, Hlelo Kana, a Grade 4 learner from Samora Machel Primary School, is a shining example of the vast potential that such programs can unlock. As part of the quiz, ten learners from each school were tasked with reading a page from a children's isiXhosa book and were later assessed on their comprehension through a series of questions on the material.

The books chosen for the quiz, which included titles such as 'Abahlobo Abakhulu' and 'Eli Lilungelo Lam,' were aimed at not only challenging the learners' reading abilities but also at rooting their understanding in the rich tapestry of their indigenous language. The winners emerged from Zanemfundo and Samora Machel Primary schools, showcasing their hard-earned reading skills before proud facilitators and peers.

Beyond the quiz, the Philippi Arts Centre, a brainchild of local artists formed in 2020, has invested numerous resources into the community. According to director Lizwi Nyandu, around 100 facilitators are employed by the Centre, many of whom work directly within schools to aid students in improving their reading and creative arts skills. However, the scarcity of books sometimes necessitates borrowing additional titles from public libraries in Nyanga and Browns Farm.

The Philippi Arts Centre itself stands as a testament to the transformative power of community and the arts, having repurposed an abandoned property into a haven of cultural and educational activity. From visual arts to music production and literacy programs, the centre breathes life after school and is a safe space fostering creativity and learning for Philippi's youth.

Vital funding for these initiatives is sourced from entities that recognize the value of investing in culture and education. These include the Philippi Economic Development Initiative (PEDI), the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports, the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and Business and Arts South Africa (BASA). With their support, programs like the book quiz transcend mere events and become integral building blocks for the community's intellectual and cultural development.

Philippi's young learners have not only competed but also displayed the fruits of their hard work and the positive impact of Philippi Arts Centre's efforts; it is a narrative that underscores the importance of literacy and cultural enrichment in the foundation of a thriving society.