NEWS, VIEWS & OTHER INTERESTING THINGS

When Sonelisa walked past a help2read poster on the Wits University campus, she knew she had to find out more. As a teacher in training, Sonelisa is passionate about Education and volunteering as a Reading Helper seemed like the perfect fit for her.

After signing up as a Reading Helper, Sonelisa attended Volunteer Training with the help2read team to get equipped to support learners at Roseneath Primary, a local school situated near the university campus.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the training” she said. “I learned so much practical information on how to best read with a child and also realised that not all children will read in the same way or even have the same interests.”  

In June 2017, Sonelisa began providing one-on-one reading support to two learners at Roseneath Primary, including Sandile, a young boy in Grade 2.

“I started reading with Sonelisa in June”, said Sandile. “It is nice to come and read with her. We read together and go through sight words so I can know them better.”

Sonelisa and Sandile meet for half an hour twice per week to read, play fun literacy games and do a number of activities to help strengthen Sandile’s reading skills.

For Sandile, his Reading Helper Sonelisa is the patient and encouraging source of support he needs while learning to read. “My reading helper is fun; she helps me to figure words out without shouting at me”, said Sandile.

Volunteering as a Reading Helper has helped Sonelisa be sure of her career choice. Sonelisa explained, “This experience has given me the confidence to know that I have indeed made the right choice in wanting to become a teacher; it has further enhanced my own love for learning and teaching.”

Not only has Sonelisa learned valuable skills on how to teach reading, but she will be taking other key skills that she’s learnt into the classroom. “I cherish this experience as it has taught me to be patient and to realise the unpredictability of learners”, said Sonelisa. “This forces you to be prepared for anything at all times, to have more than one plan, but to trust that what you are doing is worth it.”

You too can change a life by volunteering as a Reading Helper. Sign up today via our website.