Literacy impacts positively on seniors in KZN

Senior citizens have become accustomed to looking forward to the weekly outings organised by their respective clubs. These outings play a pivotal role in the lives of the elderly in our communities. Fresh ideas are regularly introduced to ensure that boredom does not set in.

The reality is that some senior citizens, because of circumstances beyond their control, were denied basic education during their early years, Mid South Coast Rising Sun reports.

In an endeavour to overcome this shortcoming, a retired educator, Mrs Prem Pillay, started a basic adult literacy class at the Craigieburn Senior Citizens Club.

Among the 30 or so participants are those who are able to write a little and those who are unable to write at all, but are ever willing to learn, even at this late stage of their lives.

According to the chairman, G G Govender, it is a real joy to see grandmothers who are over 60 and 70 years old, displaying so much enthusiasm and taking so much pride in drawing, colouring, and writing.

These seniors are not intimidated by pencils, crayons and chalkboards.

Mrs Pillay has made teaching the elderly her pet project and the positive results are an incentive for her to continue.

She said that it was a pleasure to see some of them write or sign their names for the first time.

The members don’t only come to the club to have lunch and to socialise, but to acquire knowledge that will improve their lives.

All this reinforces the old adage that it is never too late to learn.