You’re never too old to learn something new
Age should not be a deterrent, as the pensioners from Reatlegile Old Age Home in Laastehoop, Gamolepo, are proving by learning to read and write.
POLOKWANE – The pensioners took an interest in learning to read and write as they said their older grandchildren have grown up and left home to go and work, leaving them with grandchildren who are still too young to read or write on their behalf.
Coordinator Emily Maake, the initiator of the learning campaign for the elderly, said that she felt compelled to volunteer her time to teach them to read and write.
“Most of these pensioners are just pensioners by name, not because they were pensioned off from a job as a result of being unable to work. They don’t know their age but know when they were born, in other words they cannot work their age out as they are illiterate. They tell the time using the sun and the moon, and are unable to write or spell their names or surnames. That is why I took upon myself to help them so when they go to an ATM, or various places to receive their monthly pensions, they are able to at least read and sign for their money by name. I currently have about 16 learners,” she said.
Among the pensioners is 62-year-old Gladys Mahlangu, who volunteered to teach at the home.
Mahlangu said she was saddened when they first started the programme when she realised that her peers could not read nor write their names.
“I was very fortunate that my parents could afford to pay for me to go to school and I believe I learned a lot when I used to work. Now I can help others to read and write and slowly but surely they are getting there. We have books to help us for which we are really grateful but we are still in need of a venue as we are now utilising a vacant house,” she explained.
The Department of Education provided the following books to help them read and and write:
• Re Ithuteng: Lesolo La Thuthothlaka Afrika–Borwa – Sepedi.
• Literacy Campaign South Africa – Sepedi numeracy.
• Literacy Campaign South Africa – English for everyone: Learn to read and speak in English.
These books teach basic skills such as the alphabet, numeracy, the family structure, living together, health, the environment and a range of other topics.
Mahlangu said that they also need chairs, tables and food as they spend almost the entire day learning to read and write. They exercise by walking around the yard and taking care of the garden.
