New quiz aims to get local pupils reading
19 Sep 2008
Pietermaritzburg schools are familiar with the international book quiz known as the Kids Lit Quiz. South African Kids Lit Quiz co-ordinator Marj Brown, in conjunction with local quiz co-ordinators, has introduced Phendulani — a new book quiz designed for pupils who do not have a wealth of reading material at home or who are from poorer schools.

The quiz is based on about 20 books. Teams are made up of six members each, from Grade 6 and Grade 7.

The first Phendulani Quiz was hosted by Athlone Primary School, recently. It was a great success, with nine teams taking part. The winners were from Northern Park Primary and other teams came from Longmarket School, Woodlands Primary, Alston Primary and Bruntville Primary.

The winners of each round were rewarded with a book each, but no team won prizes twice as they were passed on to the team with the next highest score, who had not yet won a prize.

The books were categorised into various genres including folk tales; parents and grandparents; growing up; animals; school, bullying and sport and adventure.

The organisers try to provide the books for each participating school, but it is a costly endeavour. The schools that participate in the Kids Lit Quiz were asked to “twin” with another school and pay the R200 entrance fee into the quiz, and for some of the books for their “twin” school. Exclusive Books, the Publishers’ Association of South Africa (Pasa) and local publishers provided some of the books and there was some additional funding from Yarm School in Britain.

It is hoped that it will be possible, within the Pietermaritzburg and midlands region, to expand Phendulani and have satellite quizzes in more centres, including more pupils and providing books to more schools. In order to do this, the organisers need sponsorship from business and individuals.

• Should you wish to contribute to this cause or find out more, please contact Brenda Wepener (regional co-ordinator of Kids Lit Quiz and Phendulani) at Athlone Primary School at 033 342 9530.