NPO helping learners shine in literacy

Shine (Serving Humanity in Need Everywhere), a non-profit organisation in Boksburg and the social justice arm of Thrive Church, is dedicated to uplifting grades two and three learners through its literacy programmes.

Michael Zietsman, the organisation’s director, said they aimed to offer educational support to local under-resourced schools.

“Shine assists these schools and their learners by offering vital reading and writing help every week.

“We are committed to helping develop literacy skills, a critical foundation for academic success, as overcrowded classrooms make it difficult for teachers to provide one-on-one attention.

“Shine addresses this by offering one-on-one support to children, ensuring they get the individual attention they need to thrive.”

Since its inception in 2008/09, the organisation has evolved its focus from various feeding schemes to high school tutoring and mentoring programmes and early childhood literacy, recognising the need to build a strong educational foundation from a young age.

“Shine operates several literacy programmes across schools in the local community, including Lakeside and Goede Hoop primary schools, with plans to expand to Reiger Park and Drommedaris primary schools in the coming years. Our target is to help 1 000 learners annually.”

Zietsman explained the organisation’s literacy hour encompasses four key elements: shared reading, paired reading, have-a-go-writing and literacy games.

“For that hour, learners are being equipped to read for meaning. The care and attention these children get through our programme drastically improves their ability to read and write and their overall confidence blossoms.

“Each week, our dedicated team of volunteers and paid youth, sponsored by Nampak through the YES Programme, assist 480 learners across the two schools.

“The youth, typically 30 from around Boksburg, are empowered and equipped by Shine, with some even considering careers in teaching.

“We spend a year with them, empowering and equipping them, all thanks to Nampak,” said Zietsman.

In addition to the literacy programme, the organisation recently launched an after-school programme, further extending its reach and impact on the community.

Shine is a registered NPO with section 18A-approved status, so companies wanting to help them grow their influence will enjoy a tax-deductible benefit.

For more information on partnership with the organisation or volunteering by helping a child to read and write for an hour a week, email info@shine.web.za or call 011 917 9485.

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