WHETHER you are engrossed in a novel, pouring over a newspaper or a just looking at a sign, reading allows you to become engaged with the world around you. Most consider reading as the single most important skill necessary for a happy, productive and successful life. This saying holds true for uMhlanga resident and project cordinator of ‘Open a book for a child’, Megan Viljoen.
The iniative started by Tsogo Sun Hotels is part of its corporate social investment initative. “They established a good relationship with Waterloo Primary School in the ward adjacent to uMhlanga. The reading project is aimed at Grade 2 pupils and the success of the programme hinges on volunteers,” she said.
She explained the concept is based on the Shine Centre in Cape Town, which is an NPO that provides a structured literacy programme to support children who are at risk in learning to read. Viljoen who comes from a family of readers said she never used the phrase ‘I’m bored’ as a child. “My mother wouldn’t hear it, she would say we’re going to a library and that was that. Reading opened a whole new world to me and it’s that joy of opening new horizons for so many of these children that makes the project worth it.
“Reading also helps children realise their potential and discover the joy and benefits of books. This is our third year and there are 75 volunteers who read to the children on a weekly basis.” she said.
Viljoen is appealing to residents to volunteer their time. “Anyone who has an hour to spare a week, and who would like to teach a child to read is welcome.”
Contact 082 458 8811 or email openabookforachild@gmail.com
A guidance session for volunteers will be held on Wednesday 29 January at 9.30am at the Indaba Room at Cabana Beach Hotel, Lagoon Drive in uMhlanga.
