Making Reading Fun Celebrates Identity, Respect and Child Safety

The Nelson Mandela Foundation hosted its final Making Reading Fun session of the year on Saturday, 24 October, under the theme "Proud to Be Me, Safe to Be Me." Presented to children every month, the programme this time focused on helping young participants understand the difference between right and wrong, celebrate their individuality, and learn to respect themselves and others.

Nomahlozi Ramohloki, Dialogue and Advocacy Coordinator, served as master of ceremonies. The session combined storytelling with writing activities centred on self-confidence, kindness and personal safety

South Africa is experiencing a troubling rise in child abuse and in bullying at schools. These are serious societal challenges that cause deep concern. The session sought to raise awareness among children and to teach them what is and is not acceptable when it comes to their bodies, and that they alone have the right to make decisions about them.

The theme also aligns with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, observed in November, and the Foundation took the opportunity to emphasise these issues.

Two books anchored this month's session: Boipelo's Family Tree and Who Can Touch My Special Parts? Although they address different subjects, they share a common purpose: helping children understand that every person deserves respect, beginning with themselves.

"Boipelo's family tree "written by Mantedieng Mamabolo and read to the children by Gaopalelwe Phalaetsile, Acting Head of Communications. This South African children's book explores the diversity of family structures through the eyes of a young girl. Boipelo is apprehensive about "Family Week" at her new school because she has two mothers.

Watch here.

The story speaks directly to a worry many children carry: the fear of being different and of not being accepted. It teaches that families come in all shapes, sizes and dynamics, and that no family is more or less valid than another. For children whose families do not look like those typically portrayed, the book offers affirmation and reassurance. For all other children, it encourages curiosity and respect in place of judgement or ridicule.

Its emphasis on pride and acceptance also connects closely to the issue of bullying. Children who feel different are often the ones targeted, and a story that normalises difference helps to build classrooms and communities in which every child can feel safe and valued.

"Who can touch my special parts "written and read aloud on the day by Reatile Mopeli, a Johannesburg attorney and author, this book was created to help fill a critical gap in early childhood development and body safety education. It is designed for children aged 3 to 10 and uses simple rhyming text, repetition and playful illustrations to introduce body autonomy, consent and personal boundaries in a way young children can understand and remember.

Its central message is that children's bodies belong to them. The book also gives parents, teachers and guardians a gentle but clear tool for opening difficult yet necessary conversations about "safe touch" and "unsafe touch." Such conversations are often avoided because adults are unsure how to begin, yet they are among the most important protections a child can have.

The choice of language is deliberate. The title uses the phrase "special parts" rather than "private parts," which broadens the scope to include areas such as the mouth and reinforces the idea of full bodily self-protection. Having the book read by its author also showed the children that these subjects can be discussed openly and without shame.

Read together, the two books present two sides of the same lesson. The first teaches children to respect and accept the differences of others; the second teaches them to value themselves and to understand that their boundaries deserve respect. Both are rooted in the principle of human dignity.

Following the readings, children received activity sheets and took part in three writing exercises: taking pride in being unique, "I Am Me," and "Safety and Bullying." The exercises invited them to reflect on what makes them special, to consider how to stay safe, and to think about how they treat others.

By bringing reading and creative expression together, the event gave children an opportunity to celebrate who they are while learning about safety, respect and responsibility towards themselves and one another.

We look forward to welcoming children back for more Making Reading Fun sessions in 2027. To all the parents and caregivers who have supported the programme throughout the year, thank you for making the time to bring your children and for being part of this journey of learning, discovery and growth.