NEWS, VIEWS & OTHER INTERESTING THINGS

Assured that the remaining books were to remain in the school’s library and be available in school and at after-school reading clubs, learners finally selected their own book, sitting proudly as new owners of incredible assets! The library at Wemmershoek has also been fully stocked with a comprehensive range of books for all grades. This will significantly support the help2read Literacy Tutors at the school who not only take children for one-on-one dedicated reading help each morning, but who provide after-school and holiday programmes with reading and literacy-related games at the core.

In 2015 the World Bank emphasised the urgent need to get books into the hands of every student in sub-Saharan Africa. This report is part of a growing body of evidence reinforcing the efficiency and efficacy of putting the right books in the hands of African learners. The report states that “No other input is likely to be more cost-effective than making high-quality learning materials available to all students…” Other studies have reached similar conclusions.

“Our mission and that of help2read are so well aligned”, said Patrick Plonski, Executive Director of Books For Africa. “A crucial part of help2read’s activities is making sure that children are able to access the kind of resources and reading materials they need to not only master reading fluently and for meaning, but to love doing it too. Colourful, fun, exciting age- and stage-appropriate books are an essential part of the tools through which these goals are achieved. So we are delighted that on our 30^th Anniversary we are here to watch the absolute wonder on the faces of these children as they choose their book, to participate in their reading club and to know we have given a little bit of something that will have a whole lot of impact because the gift of reading lasts forever”.

“The gift of a book of their own may seem small and simple to many”, said help2read’s Literacy Tutor Programme Coordinator, Melody Volmink. “However, if you have benefited from having your own book; from being able to find a quiet corner or into bed to just escape into the story and read, then you will appreciate the power and wonder of the journey into the world of words, imagination and story that a book can give you. That is how you develop a love of reading. That is how you learn to read, with meaning. We are absolutely thrilled to have received this donation, not only here for Wemmershoek, but for all our schools across the country”.

A highlight of the morning was the learners singing Happy Birthday to the founders of both help2read (Alex Moss) and Books For Africa (Tom Warth) whose birthdays fall over the next few days. “It is an honour to have both present for this event”, said principal, Chris Boonzaaier. “Their vision has enabled many children to learn and love to read!”

We second that sentiment and wish them both a Happy Birthday. And to the children of Wemmershoek Primary – and other help2read learners soon to benefit from the same gift of a book – happy reading!