Are you looking for a good cause to fund? Then look no further.
The Phenduka Literacy Project in Rembrandt Park has been assisting children from Alexandra with reading and mathematics classes since 2000 and is seeking donations and support to help fund their project.
The non-governmental organisation, Phenduka (which means turnaround) was founded in 2000 to help children in Grade 7 with their literacy. Manager of the programme Nomi Jula said, “We help Grade 7 pupils from four primary schools in Alexandra. Many of them are reading at a Grade 3 level and we are an emergency effort to help prepare them for high school.”
Founder and literacy teacher Jan Venter gives a lesson.
The programme assists children from Iphutheng, Dr Knak, Ithute and Ekukhanyisweni primary schools. “We are a safety net for those children who struggle – the number of children who can’t read is frightening,” said founder and literacy teacher Jan Venter.
Maths teacher David Ngwana assists youngsters during a lesson.
Venter said the problems in literacy and mathematics stem from parents who are unable to help with or understand the homework their children receive from school, and also large classrooms. The programmes give the children individual attention.
Literacy teacher and founder of the organization Jan Venter.
“The children who come to us are already quite bright but they haven’t been given the skills to read. So some of them will be with us for two weeks and they just run with the lessons,” added Venter.
In 2015, the organisation added mathematics to their curriculum to help children understand the foundations of the subject to succeed in high school.
Jula added that the organisation will accept any help so they can keep their operations going. “Whether it be donations to help pay the taxi driver who transports the children to our premises or assistance with stationery for the children.”
