Macsteel and Shine bring life to stories at local school
Macsteel has joined forces with Shine, an organisation aiming to drastically improve the quality of the education system in the country, to stimulate learners’ creative thinking by reading to them and dressing up as characters from the books that are read to them to make the stories come to life.
Recognising that literacy is a human right and the foundation of all learning, Macsteel and Shine celebrated International Literacy Day at Goede Hoop Primary School in Reiger Park on September 9.
For over 40 years, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has been celebrating International Literacy Day by reminding the international community of the importance of literacy, which remains one of the biggest challenges faced by the South African education system.
“We want to make reading fun and exciting and we want the learners in our schools to embrace reading. We also want to make learners aware of the importance of reading and the effect it has on their school careers,” says Michael Zietsman, director of Shine.
“We are committed to helping learners in Grade Two and Three with their reading and writing skills.”
He said they have committed to partner with educators and learners in four primary schools in Reiger Park.
“Twice a week, in what is referred to as the Shine Literacy Hour, a team of volunteers will provide specialised help to learners in these schools to develop their reading and writing skills.
“The Shine Literacy Hour is an early intervention programme giving support in reading, writing and language to learners in Grades Two and Three, setting them up for a greater chance at success.
Kim Allan, Macsteel’s group corporate social responsibility manager, said: “Literacy is the absolute foundation of education and Macsteel is proud to support Shine.
“We will continue to dedicate our time to programmes like these which make a tangible difference in the children’s lives and provide them with the knowledge and skills that will help them create a better future for themselves.
“Our aim in the next few years is to launch the Shien programme in more schools and to significantly grow our volunteer base as there are many more learners who will benefit from additional help in the area of literacy which will significantly change the direction of these learners’ school careers,” said Zietsman.
