Reading Clubs for children in rural South Africa

In July 2024, CHoiCe Trust launched the Reading Aunties project, aimed at promoting literacy and education in rural Limpopo Province. We successfully recruited and trained five women from the local community, equipping them with essential skills in child protection, group management, and facilitating engaging reading sessions. These women, now proudly serving as Reading Aunties, have become pillars of support for early learners in the region.

The Reading Aunties have been conducting weekly reading sessions at a local school site in the Mopani District, outside Tzaneen town. To date, they’ve reached 116 learners from Grade R to Grade 2, offering not just reading practice but a joyful introduction to the world of stories and imagination. The children have enjoys books about African animals, including 'the Laughing Giraffe', 'the Handsome Hog', 'the Cross Crocodile' and 'the Crafty Chameleon'.

The response from the children has been overwhelmingly positive. They eagerly participate in each session, captivated by the stories, vibrant illustrations, and the engaging performances by the Aunties. More importantly, the impact is already evident: in just two months, teachers are noticing marked improvements in the children’s comprehension skills and enthusiasm for reading.

This project is not only fostering a love for books among the children but also empowering local women, strengthening the fabric of the community. We are excited about the continued impact we’ll see as we move forward, and we’re deeply grateful for the support from our donors, which makes this initiative possible.

Our Aunties are continuing their reading sessions into the final school term from October to December. We look forward to sharing more about their impact in the future.