About Tsohang Batjha (TB)
Tsohang Batjha was formed in 2012 with a group of girls based in high schools in Tembisa, Bophelong, Katlehong, Soweto, and later the inner city of Johannesburg. Currently, the project works with both boys and girls from schools and community organizations around Johannesburg. The groups meet in their schools, organisations, and townships to read together and discuss books, enjoy cultural activities like dance, theatre, music, and poetry, and go on holiday camps. TB established their newsletter called Tsohang Batjha where they express themselves and write articles.
Aims
The aim of Tsohang Batjha is to cultivate a reading and writing culture in all of South Africa’s languages among school youth and post-school youth. The TB programs raise awareness about the society in which we live and provide a platform for youth to dialogue with each other about the issues we face. Through various educational and cultural activities such as workshops, writing competitions, poetry, dance, and drama, we facilitate youth to develop their self-confidence and expose them to the history and struggles of the people of South Africa.
Mission
The mission of TB is to develop a diverse youth movement, whose members read and write in all of South Africa’s languages, contribute to debates and discussions, and become leaders at all levels of society.
Who Can Join TB?
To become a member, you must be willing to read and write regularly and participate in a reading group/book club. School youth aged 13 and above, as well as post-school youth, can join Tsohang Batjha.
How Does TB Work?
Any number of school youth can form a TB group. You can attend the same school or different schools, but it’s preferable to be in the same school or organisation and live close to each other to facilitate regular meetings. The only requirement for TB membership is that your group meets regularly to read and discuss chosen books and contributes to the TB newsletter. Khanya College will provide your group with books and reading materials. In this way, study group members can assist each other in learning and development, building friendships, and having fun. This is called self-education and is not dependent on a teacher, parent, or any adult. In TB, teens read to be cool and educate each other.
TB provides a platform for youth to engage each other on issues that affect them. This is done through regular meetings and attending Study Groups and workshops. Here, youth can communicate with each other, share ideas, and debate in a non-violent manner.
About the Jozi Book Fair
The Jozi Book Fair promotes reading and writing in all languages among people of all ages. The JBF also supports progressive publishing to make books affordable and accessible.
For more information or assistance in setting up your reading group or writing for the TB newsletter, please contact the Jozi Book Fair Team at 011 336 9190 / 079 101 5880 or email jozibookfair@khanyacollege.org.za