Reading programme celebrates 21st birthday in 2024
In the life of an individual or that of an organisation, milestones play a significant role. You are able to acknowledge the successes that have been accomplished, which in turn help to motivate you to set and pursue more challenging future goals.
Hence our delight in reaching our 21st birthday milestone in 2024.
In our country, children who are promoted to grade 4, face a new ball game. Their core subjects are now presented to them in English. This is a huge challenge, especially if their reading skills in their home language are not fully established. You will recall that the international PIRLS test results which were released in May 2023, found that 80% of grade 4 pupils in SA could not read for meaning in any language.
The JOT (Jesus Our Teacher) Reading Club is based at Ekuphumleni Primary School in Kenton-on-Sea and has a two-pronged programme. The original club functions as an extramural on three afternoons a week and consists of the grade 4s and the teaching team represented by Bongi Mayiza, Zanele Mayiza and Marian Rousseau as
JOT co-ordinator. Cherrie White is our inspiring mentor and she is also part of the teaching team.
A second arm under the JOT banner was established in 2019 and aims to partner with the class teachers to present and nurture English reading skills to the pupils in the foundation phase. This initiative is driven by Cherrie White and takes place for two hours, four mornings a week.
The JOT Reading Club aims to ensure that the 40 or so pupils who attend the reading club will be able to read by the end of the year.
We are thrilled that this goal is achieved through persistent attendance, active participation in the programme and aided by reading extra take-home books. So, it is with gratitude and pleasure that the JOT Reading Club will be celebrating our 21st birthday milestone in 2024.
Gratitude is expressed to the founding members for taking the initiative to establish such a group, appreciation is given to the JOT cheerleaders who have supported the club spiritually and financially throughout its existence, and delight that this reading club is succeeding in equipping young pupils with English reading skills.
You are welcome to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jotreadingclub.
We would be honoured if you would like to become a JOT supporter and help to ensure that this project continues for years to come. Remember that your donations are tax deductible. Our banking details are: JOT Reading Trust, Absa Bank, account number 906 748 4309. Please add your name and cell number as a reference so that we can acknowledge your gift.