Eight newly appointed learner assistants have been placed in three local primary schools, within Vryburg, to enhance literacy skills among Grade 3 and 4 learners. Funded by Waterloo Solar in collaboration with READ Foundation, this initiative aims to bridge literacy gaps by engaging learners in various activities designed to develop vocabulary, improve comprehension, and enhance written language skills.

The learner assistants, trained and mentored by the foundation’s trainers, will also have the opportunity to study an accredited professional development course, further equipping them to support young learners effectively.

Tsholofelo Boikanyo, a learner assistant, shared, “This literacy programme lays a strong foundation for young learners, fostering a love for reading and writing from an early age. By engaging with a range of stories, learners enhance their creativity, comprehension skills, and overall academic performance.”

Following a thorough selection process that included advertising, interviews, and performance-based evaluations, the eight learner assistants were chosen based on their qualifications and ability to contribute meaningfully to literacy development. These assistants will be placed at Retlaadira Primary School, Moeti Primary School, and Colinda Primary School for a 10-month period.

The learner assistants will implement targeted literacy interventions using specialised teaching methodologies, including Phonics and Shared Reading. Their training will cover a range of essential skills, such as Group Guided Reading, Digital Literacy, Writing Frames, and Comprehension Strategies.

“Our investment in this initiative underscores its commitment to sustainable community development. By funding educational programmes, we aim to empower local youth and contribute to socio-economic growth within the region. Through this initiative, we continue to champion education and invest in the future of young learners, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to thrive academically and beyond,” stated Claire Phutiagae, Waterloo Solar’s Social Performance Practitioner.

STRENGTHENING LITERACY DEVELOPMENT IN LOCAL SCHOOLS

The programme offers both short-term and long-term benefits for learners. In the short term, learners will experience improved literacy skills, increased confidence in reading aloud, enhanced concentration, and greater engagement in learning activities. In the long run, these literacy improvements will foster lifelong learning, critical thinking abilities, better communication skills, and increased career opportunities.

“The programme perfectly aligns with our educational objectives by addressing literacy challenges and promoting lifelong learning among our learners,” concluded Mr. Metlholo William Mgaolane, Retlaadira Primary School Principal.