Sunningdale organisation shines light on World Literacy Day
If you would like to sponsor new or pre-loved children’s books, you can drop them off at the LEARN Project’s office situated at 1 Tamarind Close, Sunningdale where there is a collection box at the door.
A PROUDLY South African literacy organisation, which has been in operation for 10 years this year, wants nothing more than to empower a nation through teaching schoolchildren how to read – one book, one library and one reading corner at a time.
The LEARN Project, situated in Sunningdale, lives up to its name which translates to Let’s Educate a Rainbow Nation.
This September is all about promoting literacy which is at the very core of The LEARN Project. The month has been dubbed Literacy Month and incorporates National Book Week (September 5 to 11) and World Literacy Day (September 8).
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Speaking to Northglen News, CEO and co-founder Ros Toerien said The LEARN Project’s vision is to empower the next generation to be future leaders through the power of reading and the gift of a book.
“We must realise the importance of reading and instill this in our children from a young age. Being able to read is the key to the future. It opens the mind, unlocks the imagination, broadens their knowledge and encourages forward thinking. Reading also builds confidence, develops vocabulary and takes the child on incredible adventures,¨ said Toerien.
“To date, we have established 18 school libraries, 17 in KwaZulu-Natal and one recently in Soweto. Currently, there are 295 book corners in KZN and Soweto,¨ she said.
“It is known that many learners in South Africa cannot read with meaning and understanding which is why The LEARN Project is such an asset to our country,¨ she said.
Individuals, corporates and donor schools make it all possible by sponsoring books, financial donations and their time.
Learners also donate pre-loved children’s books where there are collection points set up in donor schools.
Once libraries and reading corners are established, the organisation continues to provide support to educators at the school to ensure that reading programmes are sustained.
“I also work alongside the Department of Basic Education as the KZN provincial lead-support partner on the President’s Reading Champion Programme. The programme was initiated to improve reading in schools and serves as a catch-up for the loss of teaching time in schools during Covid-19,” said Toerien.
“We strongly believe that readers make leaders, and we encourage the community to get involved in helping our cause, and we welcome volunteers to help cover books. We encourage schools and corporates to become collection points for pre-loved children’s books which are in good condition,¨ she added.
How do we as parents encourage a love for reading with our children?
Read bedtime stories. It’s a great way to bond with your child.
Buy them books, build upon their collection or take your child to the closest library.
Discuss what you are reading together and ask open-ended questions to encourage children to come up with their own ideas and input.
Talk about the morals and values the book has taught.
Read with expression to make the story come alive.
To find out more, visit www.learnproject.co.za, visit their Instagram page The LEARN Project or call 071 853 4473.
