Tsakani’s African Luminary is celebrating the first anniversary of its Reading and Writing Programme, established to address literacy challenges among children while helping them build confidence in their learning abilities.

African Luminary founder Sthembiso Sibiya told the African Reporter that the programme began as a simple idea to help children improve their reading and writing skills and has grown into a programme that is making a difference in the lives of young learners in Tsakani.

The programme forms part of the organisation’s social curriculum development initiative and supports learners from Grade R to Grade 9 through community-based learning activities.

Led by programme manager Ntombi Sarah Nkosi, the initiative provides after-school and school-holiday support to children who need extra help with reading and writing.

Sibiya indicated that over the past year, the programme has helped learners take important steps in their literacy journeys, from recognising letters and reading words to writing their own names.

Beyond academic support, children also receive meals, a safe space to play, and an environment where they can learn without feeling embarrassed about their struggles.

Sibiya said one of its biggest achievements has been seeing learners become more confident, with children who were once hesitant now raising their hands and smiling when allowed to read.

He shared that the programme also aims to change how children view reading by making it enjoyable and something they can be proud of rather than treating it as a difficult school activity. For community member and programme volunteer Molent Maniaene, initiatives like this should reach more children across the area.

“Every ward must have a reading and writing programme for the development of our learners,” said Maniaene.

As it marks its first year, Sibiya has encouraged learners to keep reading, dreaming and believing in their abilities, while thanking the Tsakani community, parents, teachers, the Department of Basic Education and volunteers who have supported the programme.

Parents whose children are struggling with reading are also encouraged to take advantage of the free learner assessments and confidence-building sessions offered after school and during school holidays.

The organisation is appealing to community members to support its work through donations of books, stationery and snacks, as well as volunteering their time.

Parents interested in enrolling their children, or individuals who would like to volunteer, can contact African Luminary by email at africanluminary@gmail.com

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