For the past 50 years, Johnny Clegg has given the gift of music to South Africa and the world. He embodies the fighting spirit and vision required to transcend into a better future for all. This has inspired his fellow artists and supporters to invest in our country’s future through the Friends of Johnny Clegg fund.
Prompted into action by the shocking fact that 78% of grade 4 learners can’t read for meaning in any language, Friends of Johnny Clegg has raised in excess of R850,000 to support and adopt the future of over 4,200 primary school kids on The Click Foundation’s digital English literacy programme, and they aim to change the future for many more kids.
50 top artists voluntarily collaborated, at their own cost, in the epic video and digital version of Johnny Clegg’s iconic song, ‘The Crossing’ and launched the Friends of Johnny Clegg fund as a tribute to the music legend in December 2018. At the launch, Johnny said, “I got a very strong sense of being affirmed and validated but also that the song was given a new life and a new purpose.”
That purpose is to move the needle on the literacy crisis through The Click Foundation which equips young learners with the English literacy and technological skills required for future success in our fast-changing world. To date, the Click Foundation reaches over 70,000 children and with the help of the Friends of Johnny Clegg aims to reach 1 million children by 2024.
It is time for the rest of South Africa to stand up and adopt a future by donating to the fund, buying the track and/or watching it on YouTube which is guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye of anyone who loves Johnny Clegg and South Africa.
Karen Zoid commented: “‘The Crossing’ is a song about courage and acceptance and being able to navigate difficult times because of the love inside that drives you to keep bearing forward. We, as friends and fans of Johnny, sing his words back at him, as to pay respect to him for his humanity and bravery. May this be the guiding light to thousands of children who will benefit from the incredible work done by The Click Foundation, through the Friends of Johnny Clegg fund.”
Echoing the words of The Crossing, “the tide is turning”.
To adopt a future, please visit: www.friendsofjohnnyclegg.com for more information, to listen to ‘The Crossing’ and to donate.
For more information on the Click Foundation, visit www.clickfoundation.co.za.
Use of funds
Friends of Johnny Clegg has adopted the operational funding of a school in Alexandra Township where The Click Foundation currently reaches over 1,100 learners and funds the employment and training of two youth facilitators.
In addition, six township primary schools will receive a total of 144 laptops, to enable a further 3,200 learners to gain access to the Click Foundation’s program to improve their literacy skills.
Artists featured on ‘The Crossing’ tribute.
Karen Zoid, Abigail Kubeka, Andre Venter, Andy Mac, Anna Davel, Ard Matthews, Arno Carstens, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Corlea, Craig Hinds, Craig Lucas, Dan Patlansky, Dave Matthews, David Kramer, Dorothy Masuka, Elvis Blue, Emo Adams, Francois van Coke, Franja du Plessis, Gloria Bosman, Jason Hartman, Jesse Clegg, Jimmy Nevis, Juanita du Plessis, Judith Sephuma, Kahn Morbee, Karlien van Jaarsveld, Kurt Darren, Laudo Liebenberg, Lira, Majozi, Mike Rutherford, Paige Mac, Patricia Lewis, Peter Gabriel, Ross Learmonth, Somizi, Stompie Ernesta Manana, Thandeka Campher, Thembeka Mnguni, Tresor Riziki, Vicky Sampson, Victor Masondo, Vusi Mahlasela, Yati Khumalo, Zander Tyler (Jack Parow), Zolani Mahola.
Band: Darren Petersen, Henry Steel, Schalk van der Merwe, Theo Crous, Kyle Petersen, Richard Brokensha & the RMB Starlight Classics Orchestra.
About The Click Foundation
The Click Foundation was established in 2012 to find ways of using technology in education to pursue outcomes-based interventions that can meaningfully impact learners. The Foundation believes that, through effective implementation, technology can shift the paradigm and make a significant impact in an efficient, cost-effective and scalable manner.
The primary focus of the Click Foundation is the implementation of an online phonetics-based English literacy program in over 160 underprivileged primary schools, reaching more than 70,000 learners. The program offers young learners the opportunity to work at their own pace through fun and exciting activities, navigating their learning journey by means of technology. In doing so, they not only address the literacy crisis but also equip young learners with the technological skills required for future success in our digital-first world. Furthermore, they have created over 270 jobs for youth facilitators from the communities surrounding their schools.
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