Six Things to Do on Mandela Day
Johannesburg — The Nelson Mandela Institute and the Department of Basic Education have called on South Africans to use Mandela Day, 18 July, to make a difference by putting into practice any one of six simple ways to enhance a child's learning experience.

The campaign was launched in Johannesburg at the Nelson Mandela Foundation earlier in the month, with teachers, education activists, government representatives and pupils in attendance, reports SouthAfrica.info.

1.Many creches and schools are not happy, safe and warm. Taking some time to help clean the classrooms or work in the garden will create an exciting and inspirational space for pupils.

2.Many creches and classrooms don't have basic e ducational toys like puzzles and blocks, but these tools allow children to have fun while they learn.

3.Give a favourite book or write a story, one that a child is sure to enjoy. Many children don't have access to books written in their mother tongue, but often it is in this way that they form a lasting connection with books.

4.Reading to children, and with them, will allow them to experience the joy of books.

5.Story-telling is a way of passing on history, and teaching children about life, especially when the story is told by a person who has experienced the events they are relating.

6.Children learn through both independent and organised play, but many don't get the chance because they don't have suitable supervision and guidance at break times, or after school.