Woman drives literacy development for rural children

TAFELKOP – A Tafelkop resident, Busi Mthethwa, has started a literacy drive to change lives of children growing up in rural communities.

The vibrant, self-motivated young woman enjoys spending time with children in her community, teaching them how to read and write.

Busi started her reading club for children in her community in March this year after she was inspired by a reading project she was once got involved in with the Department of Education in 2012.

“I was part of the reading champions’ project which was led by the Department of Education. This project was established to improve reading and make it a culture in each and every school. I was working as reading champions coordinator and that gave e enough time to understand the significance of learning how to read. Unfortunately, the project came to an end,” said Mthethwa.

Mthethwa further said that she learned that literacy was one of the biggest problems in the country and the backlog was experienced in many rural areas.

She said most children in public schools, both in primary and secondary schools were unable to read or write and that was a challenge which made her establish the reading club for children in her community.

“I help them to improve their reading and writing skills. The program also equips them with life skills. We also do storytelling, creative writing and drama. It is a program of uniqueness which will revolutionize the community and also bring enormous impact on young lives,” said Mthethwa.

She said they needed a shelter to make the project a success as they currently gather under a tree for their programs.