Shoutout to Our Reading & English Project Volunteers!

WRITTEN BY Lindy

 

April 2025

At The Bitou 10 Foundation, we believe that reading opens doors — and thanks to our dedicated volunteers, hundreds of children are stepping through those doors every single week! 

The Reading and English Project continues to grow stronger, supporting learners at Kwanokuthula and Phakamisani Primary Schools as they make the vital shift from “Learning to Read” to “Reading to Learn.” This transition is a game-changer for learners moving from isiXhosa to English in Grade 4, and your support makes all the difference.

A massive THANK YOU to the following absolute stars who are giving their time, energy, and hearts to help our young learners thrive this year:
???? Nadine Brierley
???? Doreen Butterworth
???? Dorothe Bekker
???? Jean Keys
???? Ingrid McLaren
???? Bev Morrison
???? Anne Reimer
???? Monica Condy
???? Charm Hawkes
???? Georgi Lister-James
???? Nettie Haupt
???? Morgan Kirsch
???? Sue Rossenrode
???? Debbie Meyer
???? Heidi Kozinsky 
???? Wil Heimstra
???? Romey Marais
???? Cathy Worster
???? Nikki McNaught
???? Anna Smith
???? Karen Aitken
???? Debbie Palmer
???? Anne Davis
???? Carole Henning

 

Here’s just a glimpse of the love and learning in action:

  • One-on-one reading sessions
  • Literacy Packs delivered to 500+ learners
  • Weekly library time for 120 kids
  • Fun, engaging worksheets
  • Big smiles. Real progress.

That’s not just support — that’s impact! 

A special mention must go to the incredible Pippa Ford, whose experience, leadership, and boundless heart have shaped this project from the ground up. Under her guidance, over 250 volunteers have been trained over the last 10 years — and the ripple effects can be felt throughout the Bitou community. 

To every volunteer: your patience, care, and passion are the heartbeat of this project. You’re not just helping kids learn to read — you're helping them dream bigger and reach higher.