NGO focus: Chosi-Chosi book club 

Let’s look into the Chosi-Chosi book club, established by Sindeka Mandoyi, which focuses on empowering children through storytelling

The development and growth of Chosi-Chosi began in 2019 with avid reader Sindeka Mandoyi sharing children’s books in Philippi, Cape Town. The name comes from an old folk saying used right before you tell a story, like “Once upon a time…” but it holds so much more meaning.  Sindeka says naming the book club Chosi-Chosi is a way to honor those who came before her – all the storytellers, mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers who sat around the fire telling stories to the next generation. At the core of the book club is a belief that children are the future, and we need to nourish and empower them, one book at a time. Sindeka believes reading is a powerful tool that can change every child’s life and perspective on the world and gives them a great head start for their schooling and future career, allowing them to choose a path in life. The purpose of the book club is to open a world of wonders and possibilities for the young generation, to escape reality and explore reading. Sindeka points out that books play an important role in our society by building leaders, artists, critical and analytical thinkers.  One of Chosi-Chosi’s main areas of focus is to provide individual reading by giving each child a chance to showcase their reading-aloud skills as well as work on improving their literacy level. Chosi-Chosi is so much more than just a book club and haven. It also takes the children out on excursions to public spaces like parks, bookstores and museums, and provides games to grow their minds.  Sindeka, who personally funds the book club with the help of donations, also translates books into isiXhosa because there is a lack of such reading material. The book club is always in need of resources, and she welcomes any donations. #JETCLUBFAMILY Get involved and give back! For more information or to donate money, toys, books or stationery, visit on Instagram: @chosi_chosi_bookclub By: Anelitha Hiti Text courtesy of Jet magazine