Iphutheng kicks off iliteracy

Iphutheng, Carter and Ekukhanyisweni Primary schools have embraced their curriculum for additional support to improve literacy levels of Grade 4 and 5 pupils to ease their learning challenge.

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The support from Randburg-based non-profit organisation Help2Read assists to create a firm foundation for the learners as they transition to higher and more difficult grades. The organisation from Cape Town expanded to Gauteng a year ago and also operates in Diepsloot, Randburg and Craighall.

Sam Makgoshing of the organisation said at Iphutheng while also celebrating National Library Week, that the three disadvantaged schools responded to their proposal sent to all schools for assistance. “We anticipate others to also respond as we intend staying on in the township for as long as there is need to improve on literacy which is the basis for quality learning and further advancement in education, ” he said when hosting author, Lebogang Masango who read her book, Mpumi’s Magic Beads as part of the celebration that encourages a culture of reading.

Makgoshing said the two grades are the most critical transition phase to higher grades where success will depend on competency in reading. “We expect them at this stage, to be able to read to learn and not to learn to read. We assist them to read clearly in order to understand content and learn better.” He added that he and four other tutors moved up with 80 pupils to Grade 5 with each attending to 16 pupils twice per week during English lessons through group and one-on-one sessions. “This creates a more relaxed setting for them to express themselves confidently, absorb advice and master words and their meaning within a sentence.”

They are enticed by reading fairy tales, adventure books and biographies. Makgoshing said special attention was given to those receiving remedial support and needing to still know the basics of reading. The organisation’s support is appreciated by teachers in public township schools he said were overloaded and overcrowded as they can’t turn away any child.

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“The large numbers limit them from giving special attention and motivation to all pupils regardless of their performance level.” His colleague Mlungisi Mfeketo said statistical assessments conducted every term indicated progress made through their intervention by most of the pupils and urged for it to be consolidated.

Details: Help2Read 021 930 3669 www.help2read.org