Over 1 100 children benefit from The Link Literacy and Numeracy Project, and with a growing number of learners who need assistance, the programme has seen a shortage in volunteers.
The non-profit organisation (NPO) was established to support the development of literacy and numeracy in children for whom English is a second language.
It targets learners in Grades Two and Three, who generally come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
There are currently 15 Link centres operating in schools in the Johannesburg area, including one at Sunnyridge Primary School and one at Klopper Park Primary School.
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The centres operate out of the school hall, library or, in some instances, allocated classrooms.
“We currently have a need for more volunteers at our centre in Sunnyridge.
“There are a number of learners who need our assistance. However, we cannot accommodate them unless we can recruit more volunteers,” said Lee-Ann Zweigenthal from The Link.
Lessons are scheduled for each week during the morning of their normal school term and most of the children have two lessons every week on a one-learner-to-one-volunteer or two-learners-to-one-volunteer basis.
“Learners are assessed at the beginning of the year and then re-tested at the end of the year.
“These measurable outcomes ensure the intervention has the required impact,” said Lee-Ann.
The centres are managed and staffed by a team of volunteers who are members of the community and are committed to making a difference in education.
To qualify as a volunteer you need to be able to read and understand the English language, and be able to spare two hours of your time each week.
All volunteers will be given basic training in the reading methodologies used by The Link.
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“It is through our volunteers that we deliver on our buy-line for The Link, ‘Joining the community with literacy’.
“A child needs to learn to read so they can read to learn and every child deserves to be given this opportunity,” said Lee-Ann.
If you would like to volunteer please contact Lee-Ann on 083 450 2072 or email to zweigenthal@gmail.com.
For more information visit the NPO’s website at thelinkliteracyproject.co.za or find the organisation on Facebook, The Link Literacy and Numeracy Project.
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