Readers are Leaders – Nelson Mandela & the power of reading in shaping future leaders

“Readers are leaders”. It’s a saying that’s often used to inspire children to read and rightly so. Books play a powerful role in developing the young minds of future leaders and it’s not hard to see why when you begin to unpack the many benefits of reading.

Mid-Year Highlights

From launching programmes at new schools to partnering with universities to train future teachers, 2018 has been a fun-filled, action-packed year so far. We have seen a lot of exciting growth in various areas, and are thrilled to see so many new wonderful volunteers and Literacy Tutors join our programmes, each one making a lasting impact on the lives of children in South Africa. 

Building literacy, one LEGO block at a time

LEGO is a powerful tool for playful learning, especially when it comes to learning to read. We recently partnered with Care For Education to incorporate LEGO Duplo into our Book Boxes at schools and external partners. 

Celebrating our dedicated volunteers

help2read is very privileged to have some of the best volunteers in the country. They are dedicated, passionate and completely committed to their learners. They do an outstanding job of helping learners improve reading skills and cultivate a love of books. They consistently give off their time with such love and passion, expecting nothing in return.

Sharing our love of libraries and storytelling during SA Library Week

This year we celebrated South African Library Week and World Storytelling Day across the Western Cape and Gauteng with a number of exciting activities to motivate learners to visit their local library and get reading.

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Sonia Sauls of Bridgeville Primary

My journey with help2read started in 2010 after I retired as an accountant. After returning from an overseas holiday, I came back refreshed and saw an advertisement in our local community newspaper, The Athlone News, in which help2read advertised for volunteers to assist children to read at local schools.

Setting our kids up for success in a 21st century world

Every week, our Volunteer Reading Helpers and Literacy Tutors sit down with learners in schools across the country for one-on-one reading sessions. The aim of these sessions: to help children learn to read. While the purpose of the weekly reading support might be simple, the ripple effect is hugely significant.

Reading Adventures: Engaging Children In Local Libraries through Reading Clubs

Last week, we celebrated South African Library Week. The theme for this year’s Library Week, Libraries – The heart of the community, was truly apt and highlighted the vital role that libraries play in the communities that they serve.

help2read celebrates International Book Giving Day

On 14 February, we celebrated International Book Giving Day, commemorating the joy of giving and the treasure of owning a book. This year, we commemorated International Book Giving Day by gifting each learner on our programme with a brand new book. The day perfectly coincided with Valentine’s Day, and what better way for us to show love than by gifting books!

help2read launches reading help programme at Claremont Primary School, Johannesburg

help2read recently welcomed Claremont Primary School in the south of Johannesburg as a new partner school for the Volunteer Reading Help Programme to assist struggling learners to improve their reading.