The little issue is the second magazine offspring of the Big Issue, a 25-year-old social enterprise Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) based in Cape Town, South Africa. Big Issue also publishes an award-winning monthly social interest magazine as a job creation tool for unemployed adults.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
We face two fundamental educational problems in our country: (1) 78% of South African children in Grade 4 cannot read for meaning according to the 2016 Report of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), and (2) 60% of South Africans live in households without a single book according to the 2016 Report of the South African Book Development Council. To help solve these problems, township based ECDs, Grade R to 3 schools and homes require learning and reading resources. Little issue is delivered free to schools, published in five languages and is DBE curriculum aligned.
HOW WILL WE DO IT?
little issue is published once a quarter and be aligned to primary school semesters. 2022 is our third year of operation. We will be distributing 160 000 little issue magazines to 320 township ECDs, schools and Child literacy NGOs in all seven provinces in South Africa. With a multiplier ratio of 3 readers per magazine, we will be reaching 160 000 magazines x 3 readers totalling 480 000 learners.
WHO IS INVOLVED
On behalf of little issue and our partners, I welcome you to the Magazine Revolution for Grade R to 3 Learners in South Africa!
We acknowledge and say a Big Thank You to our partners who have made this initiative possible: Chai Patel of the Bright Future Trust based in the UK, and James Levine & Celine Colombier-Maffre of Fondation Ipsen (France), our Founding Funders; Mikateko Media, our Project Partner and magazine publisher; the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Western Cape Metro South and Tshwane South Districts; child literacy NGOs such as Wordworks, Nali’bali, Shine Literacy, Red Ink, Hero In My Hood, Biblionef, The Bookery and Book Dash; and numerous small business entrepreneurs who provide project services.
– Derek Carelse, MD, Big Issue & little Issue
The magazine revolution has begun!
We hope you join us on this wonderful journey to spark young minds. And a special message to potential funders… Round 2 Funding Window is now open.
Partners
DATA FREE STORIES ON YOUR PHONE
Shine Literacy in partnership with South African mobile operators now has a data free website and mobile phone site. Story-time with Shine is all about creating golden moments for children. Each golden moment will create a pathway for your child to become a confident and eager reader and writer.
Let’s create a love of reading in your home.
WORDS CAN CHANGE WORLDS
Contact Details
Big Issue:
Office:
T: +27 21 461 6690
Derek Carelse (MD):
C: +27 82 788 7098
E: derekcarelse@mweb.co.za
Gadija Gamieldien (Board chairperson):
C: +27 82 4555 675
Mikateko Media:
Office:
T: +27 21 417 1178
Desiree Johnson (MD):
C: +27 83 459 9498
Laura Jones:
E: Laura.Jones@mikatekomedia.co.za