Phenduka Maths and Literacy Project has had to innovate during Covid-19 to continue its noble work with the less-fortunate learners in Alexandra.
Phenduka (turning over a new leaf) is a maths and literacy program that works with Grade 7 learners at four primary schools in the township. The project is focused on remedial learning and aims to assist learners so they can enter high school with confidence.
Benji Shulman is a member of the project’s board and does a lot of community work within and outside of the Jewish community. He said the outbreak of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown of the country had affected the entire education system but remedial learning had been particularly hard hit.
“This is because remedial learning by its nature requires more contact and is more challenging to conduct online. This required a rethink as to how to provide learners with the opportunity to continue learning.
“To try and deal with this challenge, Phenduka undertook the creation of a textbook which teaches learners about how to stay safe during corona in a child-friendly manner,” Shulman said.
He added that the textbook included stories to inspire young people to play an active role in the health of their communities at this time.
“Some of the stories are based on real experiences such as one about a young girl who started a mask-making enterprise during the pandemic.”
The Phenduka education initiative also addresses remedial learning difficulties during the pandemic and includes lots of reading and vocabulary activities to develop reading skills.
Details: David on 061 432 3181; https://www.phendukaliteracy.com/; phenduka.literacy@gmail.com
