This story was making the rounds a few weeks ago and because of my blog vacation I missed it, but it’s too good not to share with you today.
They call him “The Pavement Bookworm.” Philani is a 24-year-old homeless man in Johannesburg.
Instead of holding a sign or begging with a hat, Philani reviews books. He sits on a street corner with a pile of books and offers to review those books to passers-by. If someone thinks the book sounds promising, they can buy it directly from Philani.
By selling the books, he raises money for himself and his homeless friends. He’s doing something to make his life better in a practical way. Now, his story has gone viral.
A South African director named Tebogo Malope recently posted an online interview with Philani, and the young man is as inspiring as you would think.
“He’s a great role model on the power of reading and can be an amazing ambassador for our young people,” Malope said.
Philani says he discovered the value of reading after he recovered from a drug addiction by reading self-help books.
You’re awesome, Philani.
Let’s send this guy some books. If you’d like to help, you can contact Tebogo Malope on Facebook.
Here’s a little more about Philani.
