Kenhardt children and their parents are developing a growing love for reading, supported by a newly implemented reading programme at the local primary school and a new school library.

The Read Aloud Programme at Kenhardt Primary is designed to strengthen early reading skills, with the programme combining reading activities for learners, teacher support and community involvement – including the establishment of a functional school library being key to its implementation.

As an Aries Solar Power development programme, the initiative includes the funding of a librarian, who is resident of Kenhardt, fulfilling the objective of supporting local jobs, in addition to a literacy and numeracy intervention.

“It was a privilege to be able to officially hand over this new library to Kenhardt Primary School. A trained local librarian, appointed by the school, is facilitating daily reading activities for learners and providing access to age-appropriate materials, which is exciting to see,” shared Glen Berkat, Social Specialist for Aries Solar Power.

The programme places strong emphasis on the elements necessary to master the very first stage of reading development. By participating in guided reading sessions, classroom activities such as reading to their own teddy buddy and interactive storytelling exercises, learners are encouraged to build confidence, improve comprehension, and develop a lasting interest in books.

“We are so happy to see how much the learners and staff are enjoying this programme. Learner behaviour and classroom participation has improved, with families also reporting more frequent reading and conversation at home,” shared Janetta Matthys, Principal at Kenhardt Primary School.

A LOVE FOR READING TAKING OFF AT KENHARDT PRIMARY SCHOOL

Teachers play an active role in reinforcing these skills, using approaches such as splitting classes into two groups, with one group receiving focused reading support from the librarian, while the other benefits from additional classwork support from their teacher. These groups rotate regularly to ensure all learners’ benefit.

Community involvement is further encouraged through library-based events, fundraising initiatives, and partnerships with local institutions.

“By embedding literacy within both the school and community environment, we believe that the Read Aloud Programme is helping to build a sustainable foundation for long-term educational success for our community in Kenhardt,” concluded Berkat.