The first two years of my formal education I attended M H Greeff Primary School. A darling aunt of mine also teaches there. My link to this school thus remains strong especially as I often hear stories about the poverty and challenges faced by these pupils.
Last night I consulted with a friend who is forever saving the world. I presented him with an idea on how to start a reading programme at this school for the Grade 1 group. I would use a percentage of the profit I make selling the USBs to employ first one, then more pupils who finished Grade 12 the previous year. These "reading assistants" will assist pupils whom teachers have identified with practicing their reading. The programme would entail creating a reading corner and sending students during their normal reading slot to the assistant. I believe the parents of these pupils often do not have time to read with them at home, so they either do it alone or only during the slots allocated for it at school. He explained through the many times he worked with schools that they don't have time to put in the effort to create a reading corner and to rework their existing schedules. What they do have time for is to receive things, say "thank you" and "goodbye," and to then to return to their busy schedules. He also explained that there will also be more red tape involved in a reading programme and until I can afford to pay more than one person for their service as reading assistant, I may be creating trouble amongst the teachers.
We thus concluded that straightforward financial contributions towards paying school fees or stationary donations will be the best option. I understand his point and can agree with him. But I love reading and want to contribute towards nurturing a love for reading.
I'm still thinking about it... Do I settle for his suggestion or try to forge a way to nurture reading? As there are no profits to speak of as yet, I still have time to consult and then make my final decision.
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