SOME 17 hardworking and determined reading assistants have taken up the opportunity to study teaching with the assistance of the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s education bursary programme.
The programme was put in place specifically for these local reading assistants. The bursaries are education focused, designed to foster an interest in the teaching profession whilst helping to address the national shortage of quality educational practitioners.
Graslaagte Primary School reading assistant, Aminah Booysen, says, “This bursary is helping me to pursue my lifelong dream to help children, either through teaching or social services.
“I believe that teachers are arguably the most important members of our society. They give children purpose, set them up for success and inspire them to do well and succeed in life. Children are the leaders of tomorrow, and teachers play that critical part that makes a child ready for their future. Helping learners motivates me to do great work.”
Sharoneale Davies, who teaches learners from Pellsrus Primary School, tells a similar story of her determination and long term goal to become a teacher. She is particularly passionate about helping children who struggle with reading. “There is not even a library for children in the Ocean View area, which worries me as I believe that it is important to have access to books and to read every day,” she said.
Many of the assistants have been able give back to their own communities, as they are able to work in local schools.
“I would like to give back to my own community where I grew up and found this love of teaching, because I feel that we need more positivity and the strength to go on, which is something that sport can also help with,” said Robin Nelson, reading assistant at Gamtoosvallei Primary School, who believes that education is the glue that keeps a community together.
Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s Foundation Phase Reading Coaches Support Programme originated in 2016. The programme, which includes 17 reading coaches, continues to function in 14 primary schools situated in Hankey, Patensie, Ocean View, Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp. The programme incorporates a number of elements: employment opportunities, training and resources.
In addition to this, schools also receive books for reading and maths book clubs.
