LYNN CUMPSTY-STEYN

CEO 

lynn@help2read.org

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.

MELODY VOLMINK

Programme Manager

melody@help2read.org

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 Programme Manager. Melody has a diploma in Administration and has completed a short course in Community Development.

NIKKI KNOWLER

Business Development Manager

nikki@help2read.org

Nikki joined the help2read team in 2017. She is the Business Development Manager focused on creating relationships with businesses who are interested in literacy development in South Africa as well as spreading awareness about the importance of primary school literacy. Nikki initially worked as the External Partnership Programme Manager. Nikki holds an honours degree in Psychological Counselling and is passionate about childhood development.

BUSI NTIMBANI

Programme Coordinator (Johannesburg)

Busi@help2read.org

I have 15 years’ experience in Learning and Development industry.  I am a registered Skills Development facilitator, constituent assessor and moderator registered with Service SETA and ETDP SETA.  I have a diploma in Occupationally Directed Education, Training and Development Practitioner and am working towards completing my Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Before joining Help2read, I held different positions ranging from Senior Group Learning and Development Practitioner, Project Manager, Training Manager, Administration Manager in different organisations.  Am passionate about learning and development because I believe am making a meaningful contribution towards conquering poverty in South Africa.

PEARL BIKO

Programme Coordinator (Cape Town)

pearl@help2read.org

I am joining the Help2Read Team as a Programme Coordinator. I have 10 years’ experience working in Youth Development and Training. I have previously worked as a Programme Manager with a keen interest in programme development and fostering growth. I hold a Higher Diploma in Education, Training and Development. I am passionate about promoting achievement through education and learning.

ELIZABETH PRETORIUS

Financial Manager

Elizabeth@help2read.org

Elizabeth started with help2read in 2017, after working in financial administration for 4.5 years and data management and reporting for 2 years.  She completed her BCom Financial Management degree in 2019 and is passionate about financial reporting, data analysis and systems design.

JEVINE GOLIATH-BAARTMAN

Area Supervisor (Western Cape)

jevine@help2read.org

Armed with a love for books and a passion for working with children I joined help2read as a literacy tutor in 2018. I am currently the Western Cape Area supervisor and I am in the process of completing a yearlong course in Project Management. As a problem solver it’s an absolute privilege to assist the learners and tutors with everyday challenges they experience within the programme.

HILRE PAPIER

Programme Coordinator

hilre@help2read.org

I joined the help2read team in 2020 as the Programme Coordinator. I was involved in the Ravensmead Holiday Club for 11 years. I completed my diploma in nursing as an enrolled nurse in 2016. I have worked as a library assistant for the City of Cape Town and I have also been a team leader for them in the sport and recreation department. I am passionate about working with children, youth, and the elderly.