On Friday, 13 September 2024, the Methodist Church of South Africa, in collaboration with Penreach, officially launched a transformative initiative aimed at boosting literacy and learning in Mpumalanga and Limpopo. This partnership will expand Penreach Reading Camps and Toy Libraries in the Middelburg and Polokwane areas, providing children and communities with much-needed educational resources and opportunities for holistic development.
A key aspect of this initiative is the creative repurposing of community spaces, such as churches, into centres for learning, creativity, and development. The multi-use of spaces such as the Middelburg Methodist Church, where the launch took place, will not only support educational activities but will also serve as community hubs that promote the holistic development of children, encouraging curiosity and fostering a culture of lifelong learning – to ultimately uplift society at large.
In light of South Africa’s deepening literacy crisis—where many children struggle to read for meaning by age 10—this initiative presents a community-driven solution. The programme integrates reading, storytelling, reflective thinking, and cognitive challenges, with a focus on indigenous, traditional, and educational games that embrace cultural diversity and enhance cognitive skills.
Entirely volunteer-driven, this initiative aims to improve literacy levels while inspiring a love of learning. Penreach has already established over 100 Reading Camps and 100 Toy Libraries, and through this partnership, even more communities will benefit, offering children the tools and support they need to succeed.
The launch event was a resounding success, attended by members of the community, alongside representatives from the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, the Department of Education, and the local municipality. Their support underscores the significance of this initiative and its potential to positively impact education across the region.
We are excited to extend our impact, ensuring that more children have access to essential educational opportunities,” said Johanri de Jager, Communication and Partnership Manager at Penreach. “This partnership is a crucial step in addressing the literacy crisis, and we are confident it will make a lasting difference in the lives of young learners across the country.”
About Penreach:
Penreach is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes and supporting community development in South Africa. Through various education-focused programmes and initiatives, Penreach strives to empower communities and create sustainable change.