September Internal Newsletter
Dive into what September had in store for us!
As we reflect on September, we take pride in celebrating Heritage Month and advancing literacy through our Khula Funda Literacy Programme in partnership with Nali'Bali. This month highlighted the rich cultural diversity of South Africa and reinforced the importance of empowering the next generation through education.
Celebrating Literacy Month with the Khula Funda Holiday Program!
We also celebrated Literacy Month in our communities! Our Khula Funda holiday program, in partnership with Nali'Bali, was in full swing during the school holiday. Our dedicated story sparkers—Rijiwe, Tshepiso, and Siya—led exciting reading club sessions where learners wrote their own stories and learned valuable storytelling techniques. The atmosphere was filled with joy as we sang, played games, and dived into engaging stories from our supplements.
One memorable moment occurred when the storytellers asked the learners what they thought a writing workshop was. There were many different answers, but one young boy stood out. He expressed his belief that they would be selling their stories because he associated the word "workshop" with a shop where goods are sold. After the training on how to write a story, he proudly declared, "Now I’m an author!" He understood that writing his name on his story made him an author, and he still wanted to sell it. It was both amusing and inspiring to see his enthusiasm!
The holiday program brought together learners of various grades and ages, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. We were delighted to see older learners, who typically participated in intermediate or senior phases, engaging willingly with the younger participants. Instead of acting like they knew it all, they were eager to ask for spelling help and learn alongside the younger ones.
It was wonderful to witness the older learners finishing their stories first and then helping the younger ones with their writing. This supportive atmosphere proved that mixing different age groups in one workshop could work beautifully. The collaboration and camaraderie among the learners enriched their learning experience and built meaningful connections.
As we continued to celebrate Literacy Month, we were excited about the impact of our Khula Funda holiday program in promoting a love for reading and storytelling among our young learners!
Attending the Literacy Association of South Africa Conference: Expanding Our Literacy Horizons!
Colleagues Albertina Cossa (School Liaison Officer for Braamfisherville) and Siyanda Mavuso (Programmes Manager) recently had the opportunity to attend the Literacy Association of South Africa (LITasa) conference in Cape Town. The event provided an excellent platform for engaging with literacy experts, exchanging knowledge, and gathering insights to enhance their current programs.
Albertina’s participation held particular significance, as the Khula Funda Literacy Programme is currently active in Braamfisherville, where a strong reading culture is being nurtured. Her attendance at the conference offered valuable opportunities to learn best practices that will strengthen the programme.
Day 1 Learnings:
In the session Towards a Signature Pedagogy for Playwriting in Primary Schools as a Language Teaching Tool, participants explored the potential of playwriting to enhance language instruction. The session introduced creative techniques for vocabulary development, including the integration of AI-based vocabulary tools. This inspired plans to bring playwriting workshops and AI vocabulary challenges to the reading club sessions, offering learners engaging ways to improve their literacy skills.
Day 2 Learnings:
The session Storytelling as an Effective Pedagogical Tool for Literacy in Multilingual Classrooms provided strategies to make storytelling more inclusive by incorporating cultural exchange, multilingual texts, and digital storytelling platforms. These methods will be used to enrich the Khula Funda Literacy Programme, ensuring that storytelling bridges both cultural and linguistic divides.
Additionally, discussions on how literacy can foster interpersonal and intrapersonal connections emphasized the use of creative writing and peer feedback to promote empathy and deeper understanding among learners.
Conference Highlights:
Storytelling Session
During a storytelling session led by author, life and personal coach, Philipa Kabali-Kwaga. Siyanda reflected on the emotive, creative, and purposeful nature of storytelling, noting how it connects reading to real-life experiences. This session reaffirmed the belief that storytelling can be a powerful tool for embedding learning in literacy programs.
Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni’s Reading of Wanda the Brave
Another standout session featured children's book author Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni, who gave an immersive reading of her book Wanda the Brave. Her storytelling approach captivated the audience and underscored the importance of creating relatable and engaging narratives for young readers.
Key Takeaways:
The conference highlighted the importance of viewing literacy beyond traditional methods, focusing on how families and communities influence children's literacy development. Discussions on moving from home-based literacy to broader educational contexts aligned perfectly with the mission of empowering youth through innovative educational practices.
Next Steps:
Armed with the knowledge and tools from the LITASA conference, the team is eager to implement new approaches in the Khula Funda Literacy Programme. From playwriting workshops to AI vocabulary games, these creative methods will make learning more interactive and impactful for all learners. Exciting developments lie ahead as they continue to evolve their literacy programs to inspire and engage youth.
The LITASA conference provided a wealth of insights that will help elevate literacy education efforts in the communities served by the Khula Funda Programme. With fresh ideas and renewed inspiration, the team looks forward to taking literacy education to new heights.
In September, Siyabonga Secondary School Celebrates Heritage Month in Style
Siyabonga Secondary School hosted a vibrant Heritage Month celebration, embracing the rich cultural diversity of its students. The event was a lively showcase of South Africa’s multifaceted heritage, filled with music, traditional dances, and performances that brought the school community together in unity.
A standout moment from the festivities was the captivating gumboot dance performed by the Columba leaders. This dynamic display, deeply rooted in Gauteng culture, thrilled the audience with its energetic rhythms and coordinated moves, making it a true highlight of the day.
Through this celebration, Siyabonga Secondary School not only honoured its diverse cultural background but also fostered a sense of pride and togetherness within the student body.
Eqinisweni Secondary School Leaders Take Initiative with School Cleanup and Memorial Service
The student leaders of Eqinisweni Secondary School undertook a highly successful cleaning project, marking a significant initiative as the third term ended. Understanding the importance of maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for students and staff, the leaders rallied volunteers to focus on key areas of the school that needed attention.
Beyond their cleaning efforts, the leaders demonstrated immense compassion by arranging a memorial service for a learner who tragically passed away. In close collaboration with the bereavement committee, they ensured that the service was organized with great care, offering essential support and comfort to the grieving school community.
This initiative highlights the dedication, empathy, and leadership of the Eqinisweni Secondary School students, underscoring their deep commitment to both their school and the well-being of their peers during this difficult time.
Siyabonga Secondary School Holds Heartfelt Memorial Service for Beloved Deputy Principal Rachael Mokonza
In remembrance of Ma'am Rachael Mokonza, we honour her incredible dedication and unwavering support. She was truly the backbone of the school, carrying the TNF and Khulani Schools Program with the same love and care as if they were her own.
In the two years we worked together, she welcomed me with warmth, and our relationship was filled with mutual respect and understanding. Her calm presence and willingness to help never wavered, resolving challenges with such grace and without unnecessary conflict.
-Albertina Cossa (SLO for Braamfisherville)
Ma'am Mokonza was a true advocate for the programs, ensuring teachers were always informed and present when needed. She went above and beyond, even stepping in to attend events when others couldn’t. Her passion for education and support for our initiatives left an indelible mark on all of us. She was not just a leader, but a guiding light for so many. We are forever grateful for her selflessness and the countless ways she touched our lives. May her legacy live on in the hearts of everyone she worked with.
Exciting Announcement: Trevor Noah's New Book Release!
We are thrilled to share that our Chairman, Trevor Noah, is set to release his brand-new book, Into the Uncut Grass, on the 8th of October! This family-friendly adventure story promises to take readers on an unforgettable journey filled with wonder, imagination, and heart.
Designed for readers of all ages, Into the Uncut Grass encourages families to come together and explore life's adventures through storytelling. It's a perfect opportunity to inspire creativity and bonding among loved ones.
Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss this captivating tale! Let’s celebrate Trevor’s new release and the joy of reading together!