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Phendulani Literary Quiz celebrates 10 years

Some 30 teams took part in the Johannesburg round of the Phendulani Quiz at De La Salle College in Victory Park.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Phendulani Literary Quiz. Founded in 2008 by Marj Brown, Head of History at Roedean School, the Phendulani Quizzes take place all over the country and offer learners an incentive to read and engage with the world of stories.

Brown started the quiz with two goals: improving literacy levels and vocabulary; and improving emotional intelligence, creativity and global understanding. “It is through stories that children from under-resourced schools can travel the world and learn about others, enhancing tolerance and understanding,” she says.

This year featured quizzes at schools in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and smaller cities such as Knysna, Margate, Nelspruit, Pietermaritzburg and Bergville. The Phendulani Quiz sees an active improvement among participating schools. According to Brown, schools that have participated for a number of years have shown a rise in scores of between 30% and 40%.

The winning team in Johannesburg was from WH Coetzer Primary School.
Cape Town winners were Heathfield Primary School, pictured here with quiz master and comic book creator. Loyiso Mkize.

IBBY SA would like to extend a hearty congratulations to Marj Brown and all of the volunteers and sponsors who have helped the Phendulani Quiz grow and foster a love of reading in South African youth over the last ten years.

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