Reading with a difference

The group, which is made up of 35 members in total, goes to five different schools within Daveyton, including Chief Albert Luthuli Primary One, Daveyton Intermediate School, Letsha Primary School, Katlego Senior Primary School and Sozizwe Primary School.

Using varying techniques, the gogos teach spelling through the use of worksheets, they do arts and craft and read books to the children.

Due to the work the gogos do, there has been a demand for more of them, to go to other schools in the Daveyton area.

“Some parents want their children to go to schools where there are gogos,” said Kathy Cromer-Wilson, one of the Reading Gogos.

Cromer-Wilson said teachers in the schools were, initially, sceptical of their intentions.

According to her, some teachers even thought they were there to take their jobs, although the gogos’ intentions were only to help the teachers and to develop a love for reading within each child.

The children had a different impression of the gogos and embraced them.

“The children are incredible, they welcomed us with open arms,” said Cromer-Wilson.

The Chief Albert Luthuli Primary One deputy principal shared her experience of the gogos being at the school from 2009 until now.

“It has been a pleasant and wonderful experience having the gogos at our school,” said Joshna Lowton.

“They are very influential in growing the children’s love for reading.

“They make sure the libraries are operational and have concerts for the kids.

“Reading is the main purpose of the gogos and they really go the extra mile.

“They are now part of our school.”

With the increase in demand for more gogos and mkhulus (grandpa in isiZulu), the public is welcome to assist with just an hour of their time every Wednesday, at the different schools.

For more information, call Vivienne Ridyard on 073 147 5505, or Cromer-Wilson on 082 048 4260.