Inspiring a new generation of readers and writers

Mercury Duma is passionate about getting others to read and write.

Duma, 30, from Imbali township in Pietermaritzburg is the Founder and Director of the Duma Literacy Foundation, a non-profit organisation (NPO) that assists children with reading, writing and drawing skills.

He is this week’s unsung hero.

As a young boy Duma spent most of his time reading books which helped him to broaden his vocabulary and knowledge.

He holds a Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Administrative Management, a certificate in Early Childhood Development and a Higher Certificate in Digital Marketing tools.

He is currently pursuing a Degree in Criminology through UNISA.

“I will be embarking on a PGCE course after I have obtained my Criminology Degree. I have so many qualifications. I am always learning, creating and looking at innovative ways to help children,” he said.

The Duma Literacy Foundation, which was established in 2020, runs three programmes: Siyafundisana, Art by Children and Adopt a School.

Siyafundisana focuses on learning skills and sessions are offered to children with the guidance of teachers and parents, on an individual or small group basis.

The Art by Children programme helps children with drawing, colouring and the Adopt a School programme helps schools set up libraries if they don’t have any.

“I was inspired to establish the organisation by children who were struggling to read and write.

“We work with children from Grades 1 to 9, with a particular focus on the foundation and intermediate phase. We have teachers in the organisation who advise on the subjects,” said Duma.

The organisation is run by Duma, administration officers, a project director for the Art by Children feature, digital marketing officers, newsletter compilers, a financial advisor and other volunteers.

Duma said that the funds to run the organisation were raised through donations from the parents of the children who attend his classes and from the sale of books and notebooks.

He said they were in constant need for more books and data to connect with more children in the country. They were also looking for a building from which to work and funds for branding.

Duma said that he was motivated by his mother to work with children.

“I draw motivation from my mother. Throughout my life, she has affirmed and loved me completely. She constantly told me that I could be anything I want to be in life. I run with those words and every day, I engage, create and appreciate life from that basis. I have an amazing support structure from the family, friends and the parents we work with.

“I am also motivated by being able to help a child to read and write by themselves and find pleasure in learning,” he said.

Duma said his vision was to expand the offering of his foundation to include technology skills.

“Younger people will be driving the organisation with tech and new innovations to support the learning and development skills. There will also be digital skills development for children, offered by young people,” he said.