LEARNER ASSISTANTS MAKING AN IMPACT

June 2023.

Seven learner assistants, who have made a significant impact on primary education within the community of Vryburg, have successfully graduated. Trained by Waterloo Solar and its implementing partner, READ Trust, these dedicated individuals were placed in three local primary schools as part of a reading programme aimed at bridging the learning gap caused by the Covid-19 pandemic extensive school shutdowns.

The learner assistants, aged between 20 and 30, have successfully completed their training and are equipped with the necessary work readiness skills. Their dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, as two of them have already secured permanent employment, paving the way for a promising future. Others have chosen to pursue further studies and embark on entrepreneurial ventures, demonstrating their drive to continue making a positive difference in their community.

“We strongly believe that when we invest in the education of our youth, we are making a profound investment in the future of our country. This programme is just one example of our commitment to improving literacy and fostering a brighter future for the young individuals in our communities,” stated Claire Phutieagae, Waterloo’s Community Liaison Officer.

Over the course of one year, the learner assistants underwent comprehensive training to develop their abilities to implement a variety of learning activities aligned with the CAPS curriculum. Their primary focus was on enhancing vocabulary and reading skills among the learners. Additionally, the learner assistants were trained in valuable comprehension strategies such as evaluation, summarising, and making inferences. These skills will have a lasting impact on the educational journey of the learners they have worked with.

“This project has been transformative for me, teaching me how to effectively incorporate sounds into sight words and enhancing my reading abilities. The programme has not only encouraged my love for working with children but has also inspired me to pursue my dream of opening an aftercare centre,” said Portia Morakile, one of the learner assistants.

She added, “Thanks to this opportunity, I have gained valuable insights, realising that the majority of Grade 4 learners in our country struggle with reading and language comprehension. This project will undoubtedly be immensely beneficial for them, and I am grateful for the chance to be a part of it.”

The graduation ceremony took place at the READ Educational Trust Head Office and was attended by the learner assistants themselves, esteemed guests including the READ CEO, Waterloo’s Community Liaison Officer, Claire Phutieagae, as well as Tinus Ramokgopotse, Industrial Relations Manager for Juwi Renewables. Members of the READ staff were also present to show their support.