Sonia Elie, an educational activist from Eldorado Park has been awarded the African Servants award for her exceptional work she does for her community.
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Unlike other community game changers who registered for the award, Elie was personally selected as a nominee by the innovative visionary of the African Servants, Anthea Thyssen.
According to Thyssen she personally nominated her because she believes that Elie is a positive response to the silenced importance of literacy in black communities.
“Sonia’s book initiative is needed in our community; our children cannot read with understanding. Our public schools have serious challenges and the African child has been neglected in the era of democracy,” said Thyssen.
“She is a change agent in her community and in South Africa. Even without recognition she still continues shaping a future for children,” she added.
The purpose of the African Servants awards is to bring back the spirit of Ubuntu within communities. This is to also promote the importance of serving each other and becoming the positive response to the daily challenges that societies endure.
The award for Elie meant more than just being recognised for her hard work but it meant moving beyond her limitations. Her vision is to help children from primary level to learn how to read and articulate what they have read.
This award has motivated her to offer literacy lessons for high school learners as well.
Elie explains that, “I would like to venture more on high school level, because that is where the drop out happens. Children lose motivation when they struggle to read and understand what they are reading, and end up dropping out.”
Reading to young children is an important way to help them build language skills. It exposes them to new words and ways of using language.
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It also helps them learn general information about the world, which makes it easier for them to learn about new subjects once they get to school.
“I felt there is a big crisis in my community when it comes to reading. So, I am trying to bridge that gap and drive these children in becoming the best versions of themselves through reading,” said Elie.
It is important to restore the tradition of reading in the African society in order to preserve a brighter future for children. Parents need to also come on board and drive their children into reading newspaper and magazine articles.
“Reading is a catalyst for positive change. I am planning a workshop for parents just to bring them on board because most of them expect the teacher to do all the job,” she concluded.
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