Help 2 Read is a non-profit organisation, based in Craighall, and is dedicated to promoting and teaching literacy to children in public schools.
The programme was initially established in Cape Town in 2005 and a branch was opened in Johannesburg in 2011.
Help 2 Read acting programme coordinator and support worker, Thuli Mashiyane said through the programme they taught literacy for those in grades 2 to 4 during school hours.
In Johannesburg, they work with eight schools and have plans to expand this year.
“A child foundation is very important. We figured out that Grade 2s have a basic understanding and better chances of catching up. Trained volunteers are allocated to two schoolgoers twice a week and this is divided into two hours per week. We work with schools such as Melpark Primary School, Franklin D Roosevelt Primary School, Roseneath Primary School and Robin Hills Primary School,” said Mashiyane.
She said the organisation targeted disadvantaged children who attended large schools and as a result did not receive enough attention. The programme fills in the gap when it comes to educational support that those from disadvantaged communities are in need of.
“The demographic hasn’t changed when it comes to the learners placed in public schools. Where a school is located is not an indicating factor. When we actually go into the schools, that is when we can determine the need. We always get great feedback from schools where the teachers thank us for the volunteers.”
Melpark Primary School deputy principal, Glynnis Pitchers said Help 2 Read had done a great job in improving the reading ability and understanding of children at their school.
“Help 2 Read approached us and wanted to try out their new system and we are impressed by the system they use. We would like more learners to attend the programme which is dependent on how many volunteers they send us to teach the children. I would like to thank them for their support of our school. Everything they have learnt they will be able to use for the rest of their lives,” concluded Pitchers.
Details: Help 2 Read 011 028 8263.
