Dare to Read, encouraging a culture of reading
Educating children and parents, three weekends at a time
In the spirit of celebrating Library Week, children were encouraged to discover their true mission, vision, and purpose through literacy, books, and exploring new opportunities through art and drama.
“I believe that my humble beginnings have given me the determination to better the lives of the less fortunate people that surround me.
“Children are my passion and my calling in life is to equip them with the knowledge and lessons I have learned throughout my own life,” said Devene Natalie Goodman the founder of a Non-Profit Organisation called Dare2Read S.A (D2R) in Coronationville.
According to Goodman, the organisation collects and distributes books to less fortunate communities in order to create awareness around the limited reading ability that plagues most lower class communities within Southern Africa. D2R firmly believes that one book plus a child can equal a future.
The support and interaction play a vital role in the development of children, therefore, the organisation provides parents with an opportunity to develop with their child on a one on one session that is provided for three Saturdays in a month. The times for the session are at 9:30 am to 11 am.
Goodman said that “the issues facing our children and society as a whole has proven that education is the only way to equip them for a busy world beyond their safe havens.”
Building healthy relationships and lifestyles for a child is the greatest achievement, that is why Dare2Read S.A provides children with a platform where they can dream and achieve their dreams.
D2R is built on educating children and parents in a two session program at the Coronationville Library.
They focus on establishing reading corners in the school within the communities and the homes of each family. Motivational talks and storytelling are just a few methods used to educate the children and the community at large.
D2R looks at homework sessions to help learners to not just get their work done but to do it with understanding.
Projects to look out for in the coming years are the Teddy bear drive where the organisation will go to children hospitals, 1000 Book Drive Champagne, the orphanage project, the school shoe drive, stationary drive and the Easter hunt.
The organisation has teamed up with the community, Bernard Isaac’s Primary School and other schools to address the urgent need for literacy and reading.
Just recently, D2R hosted Theresa and Theuns from the K9 dog unit for an educational, fun filled day.
“I have used my voice and the power of books to achieve my goals and in doing so I have broken the bonds that I have faced during my childhood. I want to use my experiences to empower others so that they too can achieve their goals and dreams” said Goodman.
Saturday sessions at the Coronationville library are free to all and all materials that are used by Dare2Read S.A are either bought or donated.
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