STUDENTS from IIE’s Varsity College Durban North VC Cares Committee (student volunteer body) have used the nationwide lockdown to give back to various schools and shelters around Durban.

Earlier this year, student relations manager at the college, Eshana Ratibar started a literacy project where Grade R learners from Golden Hours School enjoyed an on campus ‘Read-A-Loud’ session of Dr Seuss’ infamous Cat in the Hat.

During this time the Grade Rs also enjoyed fun activities which were associated with the story.

Through the lockdown, students from the campus have connected with children from Golden Hours School as well as children from The Sahara Shelter – Phoenix Child Welfare and the Lakehaven Child and Youth Care Centre via recorded storytelling/reading sessions which are sent to the school, shelter and youth care centre on email or WhatsApp.

The coordinators and caregivers then share these stories with the children.

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Northglen News recently caught up with two volunteers involved in the project, Sarah Mulla and Ntokozo Mthembu who explained why they loved being involved.

“I love reading and it’s something I do a lot of during my spare time so when this project was proposed I jumped at the chance to get involved. We’ve done several outreach exercises and programmes within the VC Care programme but this has been super,” explained Mulla.

“I got the chance to read a Peter Rabbit story, so I not only dressed up as a rabbit but I also enacted the voices from the book. I think it’s so important giving back and especially in this time when so many people are going through tough situations.”

Mthembu, who read Peter Pan, said she too loved being part of the project.

“I think so many of these schools need that stimulation and interaction and to be able make somebody’s day is a worthy cause. I’ve always wanted to be involved in projects that make a difference to other people’s lives and I feel this literacy project has been one them. We need to teach children, from a young age, the joy of reading as it also helps with comprehension in all aspects of learning both current and future,” she said.

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