MANDY TREVOR

Director, Operations 

With a BSocSci degree from the University of Cape Town, Mandy began her career working with children as a social worker in the UK and later at Child Welfare in Cape Town. She joined help2read in 2007, and has been involved in various aspects of the organisation, from Support Worker, to Programme Coordinator, Regional Manager and now Operations Director.

POLITE ZHOYA

Deputy Director

Polite has spent 5 years in the NPO sector and is passionate about childhood literacy development. She was previously Programme Manager at Reach for a Dream Foundation where she was instrumental in running key fundraising campaigns (one of which raised over R1.3 million) for the organisation as well as stakeholder management. Polite initially joined help2read in June 2017 as the Programme Manager and now serves as the Deputy Director, leading efforts to develop strategic partnerships with stakeholders and secure continued support. She holds a BSc in Psychology as well as a Diploma in Journalism and Communications.

NICOLE KALKMAN

Strategic Partnerships & Fundraising Relationship Manager

Nicole has always had an interest in- and passion for sub-Saharan Africa, having travelled to and worked in various countries throughout East and West Africa, followed by a Masters degree in African Politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. Nicole has a background in International Development and Social Entrepreneurship, with previous internships at Save the Children and Ashoka UK, as well as a passion for education. Nicole has now strengthened our UK team as the Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising Relationship Manager in the London office.

VASTROHIETTE GILBERT

Programme Manager (Western Cape)

Vastrohiette joined the help2read team in 2017 as the Programme Manager for the Western Cape region. She provides training, manages Volunteer Reading Helpers and Literacy Tutor programmes and offers key support to the Relationship Coordinators. Vastrohiette holds an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of the Western Cape and has extensive experience in both the NPO and school sectors in the area of Psychology.

SMANGELE MATHEBULA 

Programme Manager (Gauteng)

Smangele Mathebula is a Ford Foundation scholar with an extensive background in literacy, publishing, community development and social justice. She joined the help2read team in early 2018 as the Programme Manager leading Gauteng’s Literacy Tutor programme in the communities of Alexandra and Diepsloot. Smangele has Masters in Publishing from Oxford Brookes University in Oxford, United Kingdom.

MELODY VOLMINK

Literacy Tutor Relationship Coordinator (Western Cape)

Melody joined the help2read team in 2009 after working for 15 years in the private sector as an administrator. Melody initially worked as a help2read Support Worker, but later became the Training & Resources Coordinator. She now serves as our Literacy Tutor Relationship Coordinator, working with our Literacy Tutors across the Western Cape. Melody has a diploma in Administration and has completed a short course in Community Development.

MLUNGISI MFEKETHO 

Literacy Tutor Area Coordinator (Gauteng)

Mlungisi Mfeketho is from Alexandra Township and graduated from the help2read Literacy Tutor programme in 2017. He founded Sithembisile Youth and Welfare and is passionate about giving back. As a self-taught graphic designer and entrepreneur, Mlungisi wants to grow his entrepreneurial skills to further empower his community. He has exceptional leadership skills and was awarded the Certificate of Leadership on completion of the Literacy Tutor programme.

NIKKI KNOWLER

External Partnerships Programme Manager

Nikki joined the help2read team in 2017 and is the External Partnership Programme Manager. The External Partnership Programme works in collaboration with child-focused organisations such as children’s homes, after-school programmes and recreational projects to implement literacy programmes into their existing structure. She provides training and ongoing support to organisations that join the External Partnership Programme. The External Partnership Programme also works with tertiary institutions to provides avenues for practical experience and community outreach for students. Nikki holds an honours degree in Psychological Counselling and is passionate about childhood development

LEHCRIN PIETERSEN

Frontline Administrator

Lehcrin joined the help2read team in June 2018 after being part of the Literacy Tutor Programme for almost two years. She has certificates in Human Resource Management and is a friendly, determined and loving individual who has a love for books, outdoor camping and art. She’s passionate about working with children and hopes to complete her degree in teaching. 

GINA APHANE

PR, Media, Marketing & Campaigns Officer

Gina joined the help2read team in early 2017 as Frontline Administrator, and now manages the public face of help2read as the PR, Media, Marketing & Campaigns Officer. A highly communicative individual, Gina is an avid reader with a deep passion for people, food and culture.

MAKGOTSO MASHAO 

Office Administrator (Gauteng)

After completing the 2017 Literacy Tutor Programme, Makgotso joined the help2read team in February 2018 as the Office Administrator for the Johannesburg office. She is a determined hardworking individual with a passion for children and youth development. Makgotso has certificates in Early Childhood Development and Office Management and will obtain her HR higher certificate in June 2018.

FARHANA MOWZER

Volunteer Reading Helper Relationship Coordinator (Cape Town)

Farhana joined help2read in 2008 as a Volunteer Reading Helper Relationship Coordinator in the Western Cape area. With a BA degree, Interpersonal Skills and Counselling qualification from the South African College of Applied Psychology, as well as a South African Tour Guide Operator certification, Farhana brings a wealth of knowledge to the help2read team. She’s passionate about her work at help2read and is inspired by the positive impact she can have on others.

HEATHER VAN GRAAN

Volunteer Reading Helper Relationship Coordinator (Cape Town)

Trained as an Educator, Heather has extensive experience in the education sector in South Africa. She has taught in various primary and high schools, and lectured at multiple tertiary institutions. Heather has also served as an Inspectorate and ABET Facilitator for the Department of Education and taught English to foreign adult students. In 2011, Heather joined the help2read team as a Volunteer Reading Helper Relationship Coordinator, assisting schools who are on the help2read programme.

NOSIPHO NDYALVAN

Volunteer Reading Helper Relationship Coordinator (Cape Town)

With a certificate in Early Childhood Development, Nosipho is passionate about education and the connection between having fun and effective learning. Prior to joining the help2read team in 2009 as a Volunteer Reading Helper Relationship Coordinator in the Western Cape, Nosipho worked as a Call Centre Agent providing essential customer care to clients.

ANRIKA DE JAGER

Volunteer Reading Helper Relationship Coordinator (Cape Town)

Anrika joins the help2read as a Volunteer Reading Helper Relationship Coordinator. She previously worked as an Operations Manager for an adventure company specializing in adventure and educational camps for schools. She is currently studying towards her B.Ed (Intermediate and Senior phase) Degree through UNISA. She has a passion for working with children and people.

THULI MASHIYANE

Volunteer Reading Helper Relationship Coordinator (Gauteng)

After working in the corporate sector for over 9 years, Thuli decided it was time to explore her passion for education and development. Thuli joined help2read in 2013 and served as a Volunteer Reading Helper Relationship Coordinator after volunteering as a Reading Helper for a year. The best part of her job is being at schools with volunteers and their learners. Thuli loves interacting with like-minded people who believe everyone has a part to play in educating our young people.