An hour a week reading with Grahamstown children could change their lives – and a group of Rhodes students is determined to make that difference.
An hour a week reading with Grahamstown children could change their lives – and a group of Rhodes students is determined to make that difference.
To help bridge the gap between Rhodes University and the Grahamstown community, students have formed Inkwenkwezi, a volunteering society focused on early childhood education.
Founded in 2010, Inkwenkwezi, meaning "shining star", is a student run society, separate from the Community Engagement department of the university, that aims to improve the literacy rates of Grade 1, 2 and 3 pupils in Grahamstown.
“We began last year as a Rhodes society, and intended to emulate the Shine early childhood education organisation in Cape Town, as they have had tremendous success over the past few years,” said Julie-Anne Lothian, Chairperson of the society.
The primary project of the society is a paired reading programme, in which student volunteers are matched with two children. The students help them work on their language and numeracy skills for one hour every week.
Working closely with the Lebone Love Reading Club, part of the Kingswood College Integrated Community Development Programme, the students volunteer at St Mary’s Prep and George Dickinson Prep, where they work with Grade 2s, as well as Samuel Ntsiko Primary school, where they work with the Grade 3s.
“Our aims are simple” said Lothian. "We wish to provide personal attention to pupils who just need a little assistance to get them on the right track. We believe if one is willing to provide this attention to early childhood education, then literacy rates will begin to drastically improve.”
In addition to the literacy programme, Inkwenkwezi also runs a number of fundraising drives, such as the Buy a Child a Book campaign. They work closely with other childhood development programmes, such as the Grahamstown Literacy Project and the Grahamstown Area District Relief Association (Gadra).
As a Rhodes society, potential members are required to pay subscriptions, which go towards enhancing literacy programmes, as well as helping schools and other reading centres to buy age-appropriate books and educational toys.
Although faced with financial difficulties as a recently formed society, Lothian believes its aims are attainable. “We know that this is possible, as the Shine methodology we use has worked in schools throughout the Western Cape," Lothian said. "We also aim to furnish libraries and reading rooms in Grahamstown, so we can help make reading fun for the children.”
