Over 1 100 children benefit from The Link Literacy and Numeracy Project, and with a growing number of learners who need assistance, the programme has seen a shortage in volunteers.<\/p>\n
The non-profit organisation (NPO) was established to support the development of literacy and numeracy in children for whom English is a second language.<\/p>
It targets learners in Grades Two and Three, who generally come from disadvantaged backgrounds.<\/p>\n
There are currently 15 Link centres operating in schools in the Johannesburg area, including one at Sunnyridge Primary School and one at Klopper Park Primary School.<\/p>
The centres operate out of the school hall, library or, in some instances, allocated classrooms.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe currently have a need for more volunteers at our centre in Sunnyridge.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a number of learners who need our assistance. However, we cannot accommodate them unless we can recruit more volunteers,\u201d said Lee-Ann Zweigenthal from The Link.<\/p>\n
Lessons are scheduled for each week during the morning of their normal school term and most of the children have two lessons every week on a one-learner-to-one-volunteer or two-learners-to-one-volunteer basis.<\/p>\n
\u201cLearners are assessed at the beginning of the year and then re-tested at the end of the year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese measurable outcomes ensure the intervention has the required impact,\u201d said Lee-Ann.<\/p>\n
The centres are managed and staffed by a team of volunteers who are members of the community and are committed to making a difference in education.<\/p>\n
To qualify as a volunteer you need to be able to read and understand the English language, and be able to spare two hours of your time each week.<\/p>\n
All volunteers will be given basic training in the reading methodologies used by The Link.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is through our volunteers that we deliver on our buy-line for The Link, \u2018Joining the community with literacy\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cA child needs to learn to read so they can read to learn and every child deserves to be given this opportunity,\u201d said Lee-Ann.<\/p>\n
If you would like to volunteer please contact Lee-Ann on 083 450 2072 or email to zweigenthal@gmail.com.<\/p>\n
For more information visit the NPO\u2019s website at thelinkliteracyproject.co.za<\/a> or find the organisation on Facebook, The Link Literacy and Numeracy Project.<\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n