Development Talk

Over the last week and a half, its safe to say that many of us have been glued to the screen and watching live updates on the internet regarding the protests in Egypt. Now on its 11th day, hundreds and thousands of people in Egypt have stepped out onto the streets to join the masses in a fight for societal and political justice.

One of the most remarkable and awe-striking components about this event has been how people have used technology and social media to mobilize advocates and create an indestructible groundswell of support. It’s been made clear that the people in Egypt are not backing down and will continue to fight until President Mubarak steps down from office.

If you’d like to show your support, join the online Facebook campaign - ‘March of Millions, in Solidarity with Egyptian Protesters.’ All the group asks is for an advocate to leave words of wisdom and show their support as the Egyptians continue their uphill battle for fairness and equality. Though we may not be able to join our Egyptian brothers & sisters out on the streets, these protests have proven the power and impact online media can have in showing support.

Though its been an unfolding of events that has led to rioting and violence, overall the protests have been led more through vocalized stamina and determination. The people of Egypt are not cheaply resorting to violence to prove a point, but through strength in numbers and diversification to show that they are determined for a better country. Though it hasn’t been an easy battle, its inspiring to see the people of Egypt unifying and supporting one another as they fight for long-lasting freedom and peace.

For some inspiration, watch this YouTube video:

Equal Education volunteers promote the "One school, one library, one librarian" campaign

Volunteers promote the "One school, one library, one librarian" campaign. From EE's Facebook page

More than 90% of public schools and more than 4.5 million learners in South Africa do not have a functioning school library.

Equal Education (EE), a community and membership-based organisation engaged in activism for improving South African schools, aims to change this by marching to Parliament on 21 March 2010.

They will hand over a petition to the government which asks for a library to be established at every school, a trained full-time librarian to be employed, and at least three books to be made available for every learner.

Equal Education already has the support of Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Sindiwe Magona and Zackie Achmat, but they also need our help.

They list various ways in which ordinary citizens can help their cause:

  • Donate money
  • Spread the word through Facebook, Twitter and Mxit
  • Join the task team meeting and volunteer your time
  • Sign the petition by clicking here
  • Support the EE book collection drive

This blog post, and our related Facebook & Twitter posts, is Creative Consulting & Development Works‘ way of helping.

Just like Equal Education, we believe “reading is the foundation of all eduction” and that this is “a matter of freedom justice and equality”, especially after we researched and compiled a consolidated report on the Western Cape Education Department Family Literacy Project Pilot.

For more information on Equal Education, read our previous blog post on the organisation here, or visit their website.