The lack of a programme in schools to empower adults to help their children read is the reason why Eric van der Byl from Hanover Park is contemplating a reading programme next year.
The reading programme will be in the form of workshops and is free.
Van der Byl completed his B Ed degree in teaching in 2015 at the University of the Western Cape.
“I am responding to a generic need in the community and as you know, reading is a necessity in any school. There is currently no programme of such a nature. I don’t have a venue yet but I am hoping people in power at community centres and libraries will respond and avail a hall for the programme,” he says.
To assist with the reading programme he’ll need books, puzzles about maps of the world and other puzzles.
“I want to stress that I will not personally handle any of the donations of books or puzzles. My recommendation is that the librarian records it as stock for the reading programme and issue it in an organised way,” Van der Byl says.
He is also looking for an institution to print certificates of attendance for all those who completed the programme and workshops.
“I also started a course for learners about creative writing that will in due course also include rapping.
“I want the youth in Hanover Park to write and sing rap songs about their experiences in Hanover Park about social issues. The creative writing course is done in conjunction with the provincial education department.
“During the September school holidays I took about 100 learners up Table Mountain, a first for many. The youth in areas such as Hanover Park seldom get the opportunity to visit tourist attractions in and around Cape Town and I decided to put a plan into action to do this,” he says.
He contacted the Cable Car company after he saw they had a structured programme called The Class In The Clouds, with an experienced guide.
“I spoke to Emile Jansen, founder of Heal the Hood Organisation, and he told me he would scout for a sponsor for the bus. I asked Lucien Ruiters of Hanover Park Library for assistance with taxis and then the ball got rolling. He organised three taxis and we were ready to go. Jansen phoned me and said he got a bus to take more learners up Table Mountain and we organised the 100 learners,” Van der Byl says.
The experience with the learners on Table Mountain was epic and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
“On Table Mountain I decided to start the structured reading programme tailored for adults to empower them at home with helping their children in the various grades and levels. I am still looking for venues and will communicate via social media platforms. Literacy is very important in our community and if I want to make a contribution in my community,” Van der Byl says.
- Contact Eric van der Byl on 072 688 8396.
