Gogos enrich future leaders through reading
The gogos and mkhulus visit the Daveyton, Chief Albert Luthuli, Katlego, Lerutle and Letsha primary schools.
Benoni’s Reading Gogos are encouraging children to read aloud because it improves visual memory and the ability to see images in your mind.
World Read Aloud Day was celebrated on February 5.
The day celebrates the power of words as shared audibly among people of all ages.
The Reading Gogos are a group of women and men (mkhulus) who volunteer their time to interact with Grade One to Three learners at various schools in Daveyton.
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The gogos and mkhulus visit the Daveyton, Chief Albert Luthuli, Katlego, Lerutle and Letsha primary schools.
However, their mobile library goes to 29 schools in Daveyton and surrounds.
One of the gogos, Vivienne Ridyard, said reading is important for young children as it puts them on the right path and gives them self-confidence.
“You can’t write exams if you don’t understand what you’re reading, hence reading with understanding is important,” said Ridyard.
“Reading out loud helps to sharpen your ear. It also improves your diction and expression, which will then transfer into your speaking voice and writing voice.”
Each gogo is encouraged to do what she is most comfortable with, such as telling stories, listening to reading, playing word games or singing action songs.
Some gogos work in teams, planning a range of activities that will keep a whole class occupied for an hour.
One of the mkhulus, James van Heerdeen, who is from the Northfield Methodist Church, teaches the learners mathematics.
Sheilla Fitchet said what they love about being Reading Gogos is the smiles and kisses they get from the children.
“It gives us joy knowing that one day these children will be ministers or even presidents and they can look back and say the gogos made a difference in their lives,” said Fitchet.
Letsha Primary School principal Khosi Mtshweni said the gogos have made a great difference in the lives of the learners.
“Some of the learners have difficulties, but with the help of the gogos their marks have improved,” said Mtshweni.
“And the learners are always excited to see the gogos and they love them.”
The gogos are appealing to other grandmothers and grandfathers to join them in making a difference and for other schools to join them.
For more information, contact Ridyard on 011 849 5508 or 073 147 5505. Alternatively, visit www.ekufundzeni.co.za for more information.
