Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary in Riverlea, Parkdale and Delrado Primary Schools in Eldorado Park as well as Bernard Isaacs Primary in Coronationville are also some of the latest schools help2read has partnered with in Gauteng.

The programme will continue to be extended to include other areas, such as Roodepoort and Johannesburg Central over the next few months with the hope of branching out to Tshwane soon.

Help2read recruits and trains volunteers from underprivileged communities before placing them in primary schools where teachers identify children who struggle with reading English.

Volunteers dedicate half-an-hour of their time to each child twice a week and provide them with priceless, long-term, one-to-one care and support by working with these children to build their self-esteem and confidence levels.

The programme makes reading fun by combining reading and playing games.

Since branching out into Gauteng in 2011, help2read has partnered with 19 schools, including Ekukhanyisweni Primary, Carter Primary and Ikage Primary in Alexandra, Yeoville Community School, Roseneath Primary in Parktown, Observatory Girls Primary and Melpark Primary in Melville to mention a few.

“While we stand firmly by our vision that all South African children leave primary school literate and enjoying reading, funding remains one of our greatest challenges.

We welcome any donations from sponsors no matter how big or small, whether it is money, books or games,” Candice Swart, Gauteng regional manager of help2read said.

Some of help2read’s initial sample group assessments done in 2011 showed that none of the Grade 3 learners selected to participate in the programme read at the required level.

After an average of seven months, during which the learners received assistance from a help2read volunteers, 67.5% of the pupils read at or above grade level.

“We encourage individuals, companies and corporates to make a significant difference for a better future of the children of South Africa,” said Swart.

If you want to become a donor or volunteer, contact help2read on 011-026-2663, e-mail gauteng@help2read.org or visit www.help2read.org