Grade 1 and 2 learners at Cypress Primary School will now have a more fun and interactive way to learn to read.
This is thanks to the investment of a local philanthropist and non-profit organisation.
Wendy Ackerman, wife to Pick n Pay founder, Raymond Ackerman funded the Ackerman Reading Adventure Room, created by Living through Learning (LTL).
With a mobile of the solar system hangng from the ceiling, motives of space on the walls and curtains, the vibrant room gives the children an interactive and sensory experience.
The room was officially opened at the school on Tuesday 8 March.
Writing and reading are fundemental components in the success of education.
Teachers, assisted by facilitators from LTL will use the specialised lesson plans and materials in the room, including a smart TV, videos, picture books, play dough and other items as well as work books.
Story books will also be consistently upgraded as reading levels improve.
The project sponsored by Ackerman, has enabled LTL to fulfil its “eat, learn, live” motto at the school.
School principal Marsha Marsh van der Rheede says the organisation had previously been involved with the school, but had left. She added she was happy to see them back at the school.
She continued by encouraging the learners: “if you can read, no one can take that away from you.”
Each week the NPO delivers 50 loaves of bread, butter and peanut butter to guarantee the Grade 1 and 2 learners have at least three meals a week. This supplements the school’s feeding scheme.
Ackerman believes it is a human right that each child should learn to read.
“Reading has been my greatest friend and I am never without a book,” she says. “It is the most terrible thing not being able to read. When visiting a foreign company and they have a different alphabet system I feel so frustrated. It is the same for young children. If they don’t learn to read in Grade 1 they will lag behind throughout their schooling.
“This reading room is a wonderful initiative to motivate the children and help them form a love for reading.”
At the launch, some of the learners who will benefit from the room attended.
Ackerman spent a few moments with the learners reading and interacting with them.
She had not seen the room prior to the launch and applauded LTL for their work in bringing the room to life.
“Getting learners to read and write effectively – which so many of us take for granted – improves the future of everyone in society,” says Natalie Roos, Executive Director at LTL.
Literacy is critical to economic development, as well as individual and community well-being. Our economy is enhanced when learners have higher literacy levels.”
