LYNN CAMPBELL

CEO 

Lynn obtained her HDE in Junior Remedial teaching in 1980. Since qualifying as a teacher, she has continued studying part-time and has a BA Honours degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Education. Lynn has spent most of her career working with Universities and NGOs outside of the formal education sector. She is a passionate problem-solver, reflective practitioner and a zealous Early Childhood Education activist. Early Literacy and Numeracy and the development of critical thinking skills in children are her passion as is learning through play. Lynn has a keen interest in formal assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation but also values story-telling and other qualitative measures to provide evidence of programme success. Lynn is an accomplished public speaker.

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.

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.

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. 

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.