“Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are.” This lockdown we’ve been on lots of armchair adventures as a family and the habit of reading to our kids daily has grown our connection whilst also sparking their creativity and imagination. Sure, it can be a bit crazy getting the kids to settle down at the end of the day but with a bit of luck, the pinching and poking between siblings soon subsides and the kids fall asleep with whimsical stories floating around in their dreams.
We love storytime! Beyond joyful entertainment, we know that storytelling has the power to teach morals and values, teach literacy and empowers children to imagine life beyond the four walls of their home. Lockdown restrictions means that many of us have had more time together as a family yet it has also had a very real impact on children living in children’s homes and places of safety as regular volunteers have reduced access to these spaces due to health and safety considerations, meaning that storytime may have fallen to the wayside.
That’s where Cadbury Dairy Milk comes in – they are taking stories to the children and encourage us all to get involved. Cadbury Dairy Milk believes there’s a story in everyone and in their new campaign #TheresAStoryInEveryone we are all invited to share our stories (either real life stories or fiction) and a selection of these stories will be recorded in an ebook. These e-books will be shared with children in children’s homes across the country as well as be made available for download from their website.
“On an emotional level, stories inspire. Stories introduce children to worlds, concepts and images far beyond what they know. From astronauts to super-inventors, friendship, acts of kindness, magic, and everything in between – children can see and believe in new possibilities for themselves.”
-Lebohang Masango, award-winning author of the children’s book: Mpumi’s Magic Beads.
You don’t need to be a grown-up or an experienced writer to share your story in this campaign – it just needs to inspire possibility and hope!
Share your story as a video or a written story of no more than 1000 words with Cadbury Dairy Milk via whatsapp on 087 240 6488 or check out their website for more information. WhatsApp voice notes, word docs and pdfs are all accepted – just share your story with love. Kira has started a story is about a teddy bear and a unicorn who become friends and go on a magical adventure together – it turns out that the writing can be just as much fun as the reading.
South African celebs ProVerb and Shekhinah have already written and recorded their stories to kick start the campaign – take a look at the video below and be inspired to send yours in today.
Let’s be generous with our stories!
*This post is sponsored by Cadbury Dairy Milk