Celebrating Literacy, Heritage & Future Leaders at West End Primary 📚

This September, Bush Radio is shining a light on a very special celebration happening right here in Mitchell’s Plain. As we marked International Literacy Day yesterday, the excitement continues this week with a vibrant event hosted at West End Primary School on Thursday, 19 September.

The event is led by Living Through Learning, a nonprofit organization that has been transforming lives through literacy for over 35 years. Its founder, Sonja Bvorta, joined us live on The Morning Cruise to share the inspiration and passion behind the initiative.

From a Mother’s Mission to a Movement

Sonja’s journey began with her own children. Watching her son struggle with reading sparked a fire to change the way literacy is approached in schools. Out of that moment of care and determination, Living Through Learning was born. Fast-forward to today, the organization has reached over 40,000 learners and trained countless teachers in simple yet powerful methods to improve reading and writing.

“Reading opens doors,” Sonja reminds us. “Literacy is the foundation for leadership, and our heritage is something to be celebrated with pride.”

International Literacy & Heritage Day: More Than Just Fun

West End Primary’s 1,700 learners are in for an electrifying day. The program includes:

- Storytelling by the legendary Trinam Thope

-  A powerful performance, Readers Are Leaders, by Aislinn Hesman

-  A colorful Heritage Day competition, where learners represent South Africa’s rich cultures—from Zulu and Xhosa to Ndebele, Afrikaans, and Indian traditions—through dress, music, and dance

-  Book donations from Charity Hub and Rural Child, giving every learner a storybook to take home

-  And to end the day on a high note—boerewors rolls for the entire school!

And yes, there will even be a marching band and an original song, Leaders Are Leaders, performed by all the learners. “It’s so catchy, the kids are already singing it on their bus rides instead of The Wheels on the Bus,” Sonja laughed.

A Community Effort

Although the school’s quad will be filled to the brim with learners, the local community has played a huge role in preparing for this day. Parents and neighbors have been hard at work sewing traditional outfits, preparing food, and ensuring every detail is in place. This event is more than a school program it’s a reflection of Mitchell’s Plain’s unity, resilience, and pride.

 Looking Ahead

Living Through Learning hopes that this celebration will leave a lasting impact, sparking joy, imagination, and a love for reading in the learners. “It’s about igniting positivity and creating future leaders,” says Sonja.

For those who’d like to support the movement whether through funding, book donations, or volunteering you can connect with Living Through Learning via:

📞 084 51 44 66

🌐 www.livingthroughlearning.org.za

📲 Social media: @LivingThroughLearning

This Thursday, West End Primary will not just be celebrating Literacy and Heritage it will be celebrating the future of South Africa: children who read, dream, and lead.