Two celebrity ambassadors bring the Power of Five to Leratong Primary

Hlubi Mboya and Grethe Fox with Leratong Primary learners

Horowitz, the world-celebrated author of books for both children and adults, was scheduled to visit the school but his trip to South Africa was cancelled due to illness.

While the learners were disappointed not to meet the man whose prodigious imagination created the Power of Five, discussing the plot and unforgettable characters in the series with Readathon ambassadors Hlubi Mboya and Grethe Fox made for a lively and exciting visit.

Inspirational role models

The 14-year-old central characters of the five stories - Raven's Gate, Evil Star, Night Rise, Necropolis and Oblivion - have made a tremendous impact on children throughout the world. The fictional children all turn 15 in the final book. The idea of five teenagers, including one descended from the Incas, destined to defeat evil mystical entities, The Old Ones, who ruled Earth 10,000 years ago, certainly captures the imagination of modern teenagers. And who better to take on the various fictional personalities than two of South Africa's most accomplished actresses?

Grethe Fox's career covers more than 60 theatre productions, 28 television series and dramas and nine feature films, which have earned her numerous awards and nominations. And we all know that Hlubi Mboya shot to fame in Isidingo and has continued to capture fans in Jacob's Cross. Although a frequent cover-girl and recognised as a Range Rover Evoque City Shaper, she is also a philanthropist.

As Readathon ambassadors, both are dedicated to helping the Read Educational Trust develop a culture of reading and literacy in schools through the Readathon programme. Learners at Leratong Primary School certainly benefited enormously from the interaction with the two powerful actresses as they explored the Power of Five together.

For more information, go to www.read.co.za.