LOCAL YOUTH GRADUATE FROM READING PROGRAMME

Matlosana and Maquassi Hills Local Municipalities, Northwest

Seven learner assistants, trained to improve reading across three local schools within the areas of Kanana and Kgakala, have successfully graduated. They formed part of a reading programme aimed at reducing literacy backlogs accumulated by Grade 4 learners, especially as a result of Covid-19 lockdowns.

The programme, which is benefitting 250 learners across communities in these areas, not only equipped the participants with the necessary knowledge to enhance their work readiness but also fostered personal growth and development. As a result, three of the learner assistants have already secured permanent employment, showcasing the programme’s effectiveness in nurturing young talent and opening doors to future opportunities.

“I’m immensely grateful for this life-changing opportunity. Serving as a learners’ assistant has not only enriched my teaching expertise but also boosted my confidence as a student teacher. The emotional intelligence development lessons equipped me with invaluable skills that I now apply effortlessly in my workplace and everyday life,” concluded Matumelo Madibu, one of the learner assistants.

Trained by Bokamoso Solar’s implementing partner, READ Foundation, the learner assistants were placed in four local primary schools, as part of a reading programme aimed at bridging the learning gap caused by the Covid-19 pandemic extensive school shutdowns.

“We strongly believe that when we invest in the education of our youth, we are making a profound investment in the future of our country. This programme is just one example of our commitment to improving literacy and fostering a brighter future for the young individuals in our communities,” concluded Claire Phutieagae, Bokamoso’s Community Operations Officer.

Over the course of a year, the participants underwent comprehensive training to develop their abilities to implement a variety of learning activities aligned with the CAPS curriculum. Their primary focus was on enhancing vocabulary and reading skills among the learners. Additionally, the learner assistants were trained in valuable comprehension strategies such as evaluation, summarizing, and making inferences. These skills will have a lasting impact on the educational journey of the learners they have worked with.