Children helped so far:
How can I help?
Yesterday Oxford University Press donated 100 children’s books to the help2read organization. help2read recruits, trains and supports adult volunteers to help primary school children to learn to love books and become confident readers.
"There has been remarkable improvement in Eugene's reading ability. He has changed from a quiet, shy introvert to a confident reader. There is also great improvement in his owrd recognition skill. Thank you help2read!" - A teaher at Heatherdale Primary.
Seven 1st year degree students from TSiba education (www.tsiba.org.za) took it upon themselves to recreate the library at Spine View Primary in Mitchell’s Plain. They major in Leadership and Entrepreneurship, and as their project management venture they planned to address the literacy level in a previously disadvantaged primary school.
The initial idea was to fill Spine View’s current vacant rooms to capacity with readable books in both English and Afrikaans. help2read was in a position to donate to this wonderful project and now hundreds of learners will be able to benefit from this new library.
Thanks to the willingness of these 7 students, they have been able to give a gift that will keep giving and make a positive change in this community.
“Loise started reading at 50 words per minute and I was amazed at how her reading improved to 120 words in no time at all. Her confidence is shining though and she’s become a very bubbly little girl. It makes me feel so proud.”
– Sheila Alexander, Volunteer
Juan-Dean attends Pinelands North Primary and was identified as a struggling learner when he was in Grade 1. He was paired with a volunteer, Wendy, who has been working with him for just over a year. In the beginning, she was faced with a shy and withdrawn boy, afraid to read and lacking in confidence and self esteem.
A dull and vacant classroom in Bishop Lavis Primary School one of the most deprived areas in the Western Cape has been transformed into a bright, warm and colourful reading room thanks to the determination of help2read volunteer, Rhoda Amos.
Elizabeth Schutter has 25 years of experience in the NGO sector. She has worked with the Council of Churches as well as the Gender Education, Public Health and Adult Education Departments. Travelling is her passion.
Debbie Goetz completed her masters in Sociology at UCT. She is passionate about Social Development and has worked in a number of communities around SA and East Africa.
Jane Nshuti recently completed a Diploma in Media Studies at City Varsity. She is currently studying Development Studies through Unisa. She enjoys reading current affairs books.
Gina Aphane-Mosia (right) is an aspiring children’s author who is also currently studying to be a teacher through Montessori. Her favourite books are crime thrillers.