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help2read Volunteer Recognition Event
14 October 2008
The annual help2read volunteer event is held to honour the people who are making a positive impact in our communities. More than 200 reading helpers and friends of help2read from across Cape Town came together on 25th October 2008 at Garden Village Primary in Maitland.
Guest speakers at the event included Brian Schreuder, deputy director-general of curriculum management at the Western Cape Education Department and Alex Moss, founder of help2read. Mr. Schreuder highlighted the substantial need for literacy and numeracy assistance for South African learners. Alex Moss commended the enthusiasm and commitment of help2read volunteers.
The atmosphere at the event can only be described as one of celebration – and celebrate we did! The day was filled with music and laughter. Volunteers socialised and met other reading helpers from the various Cape Town schools – many even meeting old friends. For lunch, there was a spread of muffins and cakes, kindly donated by Pick ‘n Pay and Quality Bake followed by savoury delights which completed the feast.
Since 2007 help2read has grown from assisting 238 children in 17 schools to helping more than 913 learners in 74 schools. This would not be possible without our fantastic volunteers, of which there are now 343. Dedicated volunteer reading helpers give of their time to light up the lives of our children - assisting in improving their literacy levels and attitude toward reading in line with the help2read vision for all South African children to leave primary school literate and enjoying reading.
Certificates of service were received by many reading helpers who have volunteered with the organisation for more than one or two years. Yvonne Kleintjes and Fauzia Walker received certificates for outstanding efforts in recruiting further volunteers for the organization.
Our volunteers are an inspiration. We the help2read staff on behalf of the schools and children thank you for all the remarkable work you have done this year. We wish you happy holidays and look forward to working together in 2009.
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