In September 2014, the Happy Africa Foundation’s Livingstone team received a set of marvellous books that have changed the course of African Impact’s Reading Club at Linda Community School and Adult Literacy Club.
When reaching grade 4, lessons are all taught in English at school so this means that children have to start learning maths, science and computer studies all in English. With up to 60 children in a class, many schools don’t have the means to give extra support to those who are struggling. So on top of the natural varying ability of students in different subjects, those who additionally struggle with English can quickly fall far behind with little hope of catching up.
When a student struggles with English after this point, school becomes a constant stream of your teacher talking to you in a language you can barely understand. It is obvious why many of these children lose interest in school altogether.
It is not just children in school that need help. Many adults struggle in a world where the understanding of literacy and English are key to moving further in jobs and opportunities. With just learning the basics, it can make the difference and allow adults to better themselves & the lives of the families they support.
This is why The Happy Readers Program is so important to the community and African Impact’s reading club. With its ‘look-see’ method, accompanied by repetitive language, key vocabulary lists and flashcards, The Happy Readers Program makes English easier to pick up and both school children and adults love it.
In less than 4 months our grade 3’s in the reading club had an average reading level increase of 34%. One member of the Adult Literacy Club exclaimed, “I couldn’t read anything before, and now I can recognize all the letters!”
The books are clearly a success but we currently only have the first set of books. With the program’s popularity, both the Adult Literacy Club and Reading Club have completed the first set and are desperate to progress onto the next set.
This is where you come in.
Our aim is to raise enough money to, not only buy the second set of books, but also the subsequent sets. We would also like to purchase more of each set so we can start using the books in more classes and in more schools.
In order to do this we have started the ‘Buy a Book’ campaign, and as part of the campaign we are hosting the ‘Happy Kids for Happy Readers’ global event. In the month of March we are encouraging schools, offices and friends to hold fundraising events such as:
- Dress up as your favourite book character
- Put on a play of your favourite book
- Have a second-hand book sale.
- Host a coffee morning
Or any other fun fundraisers that will help us buy the new sets of books.
We have an info sheet and posters to help you get your event on its way. Just contact livingstone@happyafricafoundation.org to get these files and begin your event!
Alternatively, if you would just like to buy a book, or set for us then you can do that via www.virginmoneygiving.com/buyabook.
For any more information on this fantastic scheme, our work in Livingstone or some more ideas for events you can email livingstone@happyafricafoundation.org