Rally to Read
by Charlene Gribble


We lead such privileged lives. A simple fact that many of us tend to forget when the smallest concerns creep into our day – the fact that you don’t have the exact shade of shoe to match a specific outfit, or feeling distressed when you don’t have the very latest gadget with an “i” prefacing the name. But when one is faced with true need, as is the case when taking part in the Rally to Read initiative, reality soon brings some much needed perspective to one’s point of view.

I had my name down for Rally to Read since the first request went out as I always enjoy giving back in any way I can, and the experience did not disappoint. During this weekend of self-discovery, I couldn’t help but recall the words of Francis Maitland Balfour:
“The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.”

There were a number of children accompa- nying us on this journey and they were certainly provided with a very good example in the form of their parents who had not only ensured that they joined in the trip, but also actively encouraged them to understand the environment the rural children who benefit from the Rally to Read programme live in.

I also know that there were some very proud mothers (and fathers) who watched as their
children grasped the advantaged circumstances they were growing up in and how eager they were to share their good fortune with those in need. It was also wonderful to see how, despite their differences and obvious language barrier, the children were able to almost instantly com- municate through the universal language of play.

For me the most humbling experience was attending the presentations prepared by the children based on the material they had received the previous year, where we witnessed first-hand the impact that Rally to Read has had in these schools. The children had clearly practised hard and were so very proud of their work. I could see the excitement and antici- pation in their faces as they waited for their turn to present. It made me realise that Rally to Read wasn’t merely giving these children books and stationery, but was making an investment in their future – which is an investment in the future of our country.

Who wouldn’t be proud to be part of that?
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