I received an email yesterday that made me cry. Not in sadness, but out of an overwhelming sense of how as individuals we actually can make a difference in children’s lives. And we owe it to them – they are entitled to it. Every child has the right to be nurtured, listened to and developed.
I received an email yesterday that made me cry. Not in sadness, but out of an overwhelming sense of how as individuals we actually can make a difference in children’s lives. And we owe it to them – they are entitled to it. Every child has the right to be nurtured, listened to and developed.
To be led into the wonders of books and stories and reading, and the feeling of being in touch with your world through language. In fact, the Shine Literacy Trust in Cape Town uses the slogan “Words can change worlds”.
The email was from a volunteer who has been part of Project Read this year. She has worked with two Grade R children and two Grade 1 children, both from relatively disadvantaged communities. Spending just an hour a week with them over a period of about seven months, she had the following to say: “Initially, the Grade R kids were not interested in the least. They were shy, introverted and dumbstruck. Now, a couple of months down the line, I cannot believe that they are the same kids. They just LOVE reading and playing word games. Their vocabulary has grown, they have an insatiable desire to read and sometimes even beg for the session not to end.”
And about the Grade 1 kids: “Previously they would sit daydreaming or staring at the ceiling. I can confidently say we now read a minimum of three stories every week!” She also commented that the little boy, whom she was able to give her undivided attention for a couple of sessions, had blossomed.
Some of the volunteers have found it harder than others, but most of them have a similar story to tell. Of how that hour is the highlight of their week, or the most meaningful thing they have done. Of how they see the children change and respond to their input, their caring and their guidance.
Cynicism abounds and there’s a lot wrong with our country and our world. But we dare not give up, because children matter. That email was powerful testimony for me that we are on the right track.
Cathy Gush is the co-ordinator of the Lebone Literacy Programme. Anyone interested in volunteering or wanting to comment on this column, can contact her onc.gush@kingswoodcollege.com or gush.cathy@gmail.com
