Spring is in the air!

 

As the days become longer and a new season is in the air, I look back over the past few months. Since May I taught the Sophakama Tutor training four times. Three of these were for different Institutions in Jeffreys Bay (Jbay Academy, Jeffreys Bay Comprehensive High School, LXP and Joshua Project), but one was for a lady in Zambia who is connected with FCE. I did the training through Zoom and WhatsApp and it worked really well. Now that I know that it is possible, I am feeling confident to do it again. Truth is, I have already, but only the Maths part via WhatsApp two weeks ago and that also turned out well.

Our Application to accredit our training as a NQF4 Full program is in the process and it is a big learning curve for all of us that is involved in that process.

May this Spring bring a lot of beauty to your life.

Evelyn

Investing in Kouga once again!

 In the first quarter of 2025 I held 4 Sophakama Tutor Trainings through which I trained 17 people how to teach reading and lay a foundation in Maths for children.

The first training in January was at Graslaagte Primary school, where I trained 9 of their teacher assistants.

The next 3 trainings I trained 3 of Sea Vista School’s Tutors, a remedial teacher at a Primary School in Jeffrey’s Bay and 4 ladies from Global Challenge.

I am happy for the impact these trainings have in the community. I was also surprised when an ABC Adventure student from 2 years ago informed me that he got involved with an Aftercare center in Oester Bay and asked me to refresh his memory concerning the training material. I was happy to do that.

It seems that for this first quarter Kouga was my circle of influence.

From rooted to free!

 Because of a commitment to teach an older lady to read, the rest of the year I was pretty much rooted in Jeffreys' Bay.

I studied 2 online courses that were really very beneficial to me personally, but then I started to implement it also into the weekly Tut class I had with the LXP Aftercare teachers. Now, with that experience, I think it would be beneficial to work out some kind of weekly curriculum that can be  available for Aftercare Centers.

I did train the Sophakama Tutor Program over two consecutive Wednesdays at the end of September / beginning of October to a few moms of Global Challenge. Among them were some Occupational Therapists and Teachers, who once again validated the practical usefulness and quality of the training to me.

And so 2024 draws to a close. I am excited to have an open agenda for the first 6 months of 2025. I can literally go anywhere or do anything within the boundaries of my jurisdiction.

Here and there and everywhere!

One of the Non Profit Organisations Joshua Project, that I did some training with in 2021, asked me to do the Tutor training with a few of their staff in May. They want to expand the work in Humansdorp to also include Tutoring. The need is great!

Also in May I went to Cape Town for a conference and then a lady that did the training in 2019 asked me to do the tutor training with a few of her colleagues at The Paragon Generation, that want to start a tutoring project in Kraaifontein. It was very encouraging for me to do that.

In June I then got the opportunity to teach the tutor training again, but this time with a few ladies in Hartenbos. Their church is reaching out in a poor community, helping kids that struggle with reading and maths. They were so glad for the training and reports that I received from them recently confirmed to me that they are implementing what I taught them. That always brings joy to my heart.

In July I started in Thornhill to train five ladies, but they have since decided not to continue. I am disappointed, because they admitted that there is a great need for trained tutors. Maybe in the future another door of opportunity will open in that community.

The ABC Adventure with the ACTT 2024 students, completed the training at the end of July and we had a lovely graduation ceremony for them on the 31st of July at First Light Coffee Shop.

There are some possible training opportunities that needs to be finalized for September. Other than that I am ready to take the training to any community that would like to invest in the future of our children.

Evelyn

 

A Good Report.

 Excited to start with the Road Trip Circles (see previous blog), I set off in January to Kirkwood, Addo and Paterson to see and hear what the need for ABC Adventure would be in the Sundaysriver area. I spoke to stakeholders in all three towns and gathered that there is indeed a need there. Since I had to start with the ABC Adventure in February with the ACTT 1^st year students, I could not immediately follow up on that need, but plan a visit in June/July.

The ABC with the ACTT students are going well. Last week they did their Tutor practical in Humansdorp at Graslaagte Primary School. It went well.

 

This past week I taught the Tutor Training again, this time to four ladies from Transkei as well as two of LXP's volunteers. All six these ladies are already involved at Aftercare Centers and it was so nice to give people tools that you know they are going to use.

I receive very encouraging reports from Ysterfontein, George from the ladies I trained in December 2023. They started tutoring kids from their community with very positive results.

And so the work continue!

Evelyn

Finishing strong and looking towards the future.

Since my last blog entry I have done the Sophakama Tutor Training twice. The first was back in Jeffrey’s Bay In October. There I trained 3 individuals. One was a Dutch missionary that volunteered with Joshua Project in Humansdorp. They are reaching out to the community that lives next to the rubbish dump. 

 The second training was in December in Ysterfontein, George. There I trained 10 ladies, working within a very poor community. I enjoyed training these ladies who have a true heart of compassion for the children in their community. Some ladies were already teaching at a Preschool on the premises where we had our training. They are well trained and with their ECD background they quickly understood my perception development exercises and the six steps of learning to read. Some of the other ladies are keen to help children in their community who struggle with reading and mathematics. I will be happy to give them their certificates once they complete their practical lessons.

 And so as 2023 draws to a close. I have a very strategic vision for 2024 onwards that I call: “The Roadtrip Circles Vision.” I have identified certain towns close to one another as possible circles where I would like to travel to in order to do training there. I am investigating the following circles for the first phase of this project.

* Kirkwood, Addo and Paterson area 

* Thornhill, Loerie, Hankey and Patensie area 

* Humansdorp, Clarkson and Kareedouw area 

* Joubertina and Misgund area 

* Willowmore, Bestersdal and Sonop area

* Steytlerville and Kleinpoort area 

* Somerset East, Cookhouse and Bedford area. 

 If you know of any stakeholders that I can contact in one of these areas, please let me know.  

Peace! 

Evelyn

August already!

Wow! This year is running ahead with a speed! In the Second Term I finished 2023's ACTT students here at Global Challenge. They did their practicals in their own communities and they might even continue with the children that they started with for the sake of the practical credits. I trust that they will. They graduated at a beautiful, intimate ceremony and we celebrated their future in Education with them. I heard good reports from the guys in the Transkei where I taught last year. They are taking the training further to other communities that is in need of this information. I also did three Sophakama Tutor Training Workshops. The first was in Jeffreys' Bay (6 May) with a diverse group of students. The second was in Mosselbay (10-11 July) with two NGO leaders who want to expand their ministry scope and the third was in Paarl (24 July) with a couple of Stellenbosch Teaching students. While I was away a Maths Club started in Ocean View, Jeffreys' Bay with a group of High School students. I am really excited about that!

Going deeper into real problems.

 

In January, February and March 2023, I spent a few days each month in Port Alfred, where I trained 8 people with the ABC Adventure material. Most of them are already involved with an Aftercare in one of the schools, so they do have the opportunity to practice what they have learned.

February and March we attended their Aftercare, which was good as to help with some practical advice where needed. What struck me in February again, was how a little bit of input, can accomplish so much. We helped some kids with Maths that they did not understand and when they got it, it lead to them explaining it to others around them.

In March, there was a girl, who in that week was raped. Carina could counsel her a bit and help with some of the official processes. I am deeply concerned about rape and what devastating effect it has on a person. The question that is burning inside of me is, how such a person can come to a place of healing, so that the rest of their lives are not determined by that and so that their value is not forever equated to that act of cruelty! Of course, a lot of energy must go into protecting and preventing such things. What role can and should Educational Centers play in this?

In March I also linked up again with a boy who are selling fruit in town, but who actually wants to go back to school. We finally got to the bottom of the problem: He does not have a birth certificate. With his mother having already passed on, the matter is complicated, but not impossible. A social worker at Joshua Project has given me advice on how to tackle this matter, for which I am very grateful.

Sophakama! We shall rise!

Evelyn

Encouraged around every turn!

 In June and July we finished the last things outstanding for the ABC/ACTT students to graduate. This they did and we had a lovely evening @ First Light Coffee Shop, celebrating their achievements.

Also in July I returned to Canzibe, Transkei to complete the second week of the “Out of Town training”. (Please look here if you would like to see how such training works.) It was nice to now already know the students a little better. The reports of how they are implementing the training warms my heart.

In the past 4 months I also trained 7 students with the Sophakama Tutor Training. One lady started her practical at a school, but because of the holidays that started, could not complete it, so she continued with a few kids in her neighborhood. Now that the practical is completed, the neighbors have asked her to continue with their children, as they can see the value the lessons add to their children's academic development. I always rejoice when I hear such reports. 

The ABC Spring Adventure had only one participant. Even though I would have liked to have more, it was really good to invest in the one. Caron Hammond was a star student in every way. She read through all the material after every class and implemented every sphere we touched on. Well done!!!

I am currently busy with training at a local Safe House for Children. The founder, Nelly, is such an inspiring person and you can see her positive influence on her children. I am talking to them about how they can all play a part in the development of the little one between the ages of three to six years in their family. I have been enriched myself from this time with them.

Well, that is my news at this time.

 

Evelyn

Returning to Old Places.

 

In March I visited Pellsrus Primary School where I volunteered in 2017. The whole of last year being back in Jeffreys' Bay, I did not get to go there, but then in March it seemed that it was a good time to have returned. In reconnecting with some of the Staff, a string of opportunities opened up for teaching the Tutor Training. I think I need to investigate training Reading Coaches in the whole of the Kouga region. As I have come to understand, the Reading Coaches are only there to help the teachers with giving the learners more practice in reading outside the classroom. I think however that if the Reading Coaches had training in how to teach reading, they would be able to help much more!

In the beginning of May I returned to another place where I haven't been since 2013. I was invited by a Non-Profit to go and do the ABC Adventure Course with their Staff in the Transkei. I did half of the Course, as I previously laid out. I think that especially the Maths tutoring material was very helpful tools to them and they were encouraged to implement it at their After Care program. Lord Willing, I will return later the year to do the second week of the ABC Adventure Course.

I am also looking into the possibilities of returning to Gqeberha and Cradock. I trust that next time I write, I can report on how that developed.

Until then, one step at a time, we do what we can so that children's lives can be impacted towards a good future.

Evelyn

 

 

Trying out new formats!

 July and August were difficult months with Covid 19 running rampart.

In September I launched a new format for the ABC Adventure/Sophakama Internship. The course ran for 3 months, but only every second Saturday. This worked very well. During the 2 weeks in between classes the students had time to finish their practicals.

I had 4 students for this course - 1 a lady from Cradock that still wanted to do the training. She joined online from her local church building, benefiting from the WiFi there.

Having done the course in those 6 daylong sessions, the stage was set for doing the course in two weeks. Teaching on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; with observations and practicals done on Tuesday and Thursday. The idea would then be to return a month or two later to do the second week with the same rhythm.

At the end of November 2021 I piloted this structure, when I was invited to Bronkhorstspruit to teach the staff of 4 local schools the Week 1. It worked out quite well. Now, the stage is set for me to move into more communities as opportunities presents itself, while at the same time having a solid home base.

I include the 6 days teaching program as it is done in the 3 months, every second week format for your information.

Teaching 1: Teacher and child.

Home work: 1 Observation at a Preschool.

Read School readiness and write a report.

Teaching 2: Preschool daily program

Home work: Have a practical lesson.

Write a test!

Teaching 3:Tutor training on how to teach reading and basic mathematics.

Home work: Do 10 tutor lessons.

(5 lessons each with 2 children)

Teaching 4: Emotional Intelligence & Introduction to Basic Counseling skills

Home work: Do 2 EI lessons at a school or Aftercare.

Teaching 5: Camping & Outings

Home work: Organize a camp or Outing.

Choose a community issue.

Teaching 6: Community project

Home work: Make a presentation to a community panel who will evaluate the project.

Peace

Evelyn

Many Opportunities opening up.

In the past 2 months I had many opportunities to do training.

The first was at Walmer Link in Gqeberha at the Mosaic SA school. There I trained 7 (teachers and parents) with the Sophakama Tutor material. My old friend, Bongiwe Robin introduced me to this ministry and I was happy to see the passionate work that they are doing there.

 

When I first lived in Jeffreys' Bay (2014-2017), I always wanted to do something in Hankey, but it did not open up for me. In June 2021 I finally had that opportunity, when I was invited to train some of the Carers of Thorros Child and Youth Care Centre. I became aware of the great tool that the Sophakama Tutor Training is in situations like these and trust that each carer will grow in their skills as they help the children there.

I also had two opportunities in Jeffreys' Bay that opened up. The one was at Joshua Project. I met Lunga Mlangeni (director) at a prayer event for non-profit organizations and he invited me to do some training with their teachers. I was happy for the opportunity and look forward to continue a relationship with them.

 

Finally, for 3 consecutive Mondays I did training at LXP with students and some staff. They have recently started an Aftercare with 70+ children from the community. Because they will in reality not engage in one on one or small group tutoring, I had to adapt my approach and lean more on my experience as a class teacher to help them in this task. I have committed myself to help them with material for the different levels as well as to on a weekly basis help them plan their weekly teaching program. I am so excited about this new Aftercare. I did some reading evaluation with some of the kids and found they are truly in need of some major intervention. May God help us!

 

A year of Covid 19!

 I finished the first term of 2020 at Carinus School in March 2020 and was not able to return to the school for the rest of the year.

The Maths Club's doors were closed until September 2020, but then we continued until November 2020.  I got two new tutors there in Xoliswa Tshingana and Antoinette Botha.

The Internship continued from mid-May to mid- June virtually, but then we continued in person classes again on a weekly basis.  Because my apartment was too small to keep social distance and specifically for transport protocols, we met the first 3 months at the URCSA church building in Michausdal.  The numbers fell to only three through this whole process.  At the end of October we had our graduation party with much joy and thankfulness.  It was held at the Church Building of Victory Family Church Cradock. I was so grateful when one of the Interns started work as a teachers assistant at the beginning of 2021.

Then, at the end of November I moved back to Jeffreys' Bay.  So far this year I have done the Sophakama Tutor Training 3 times already. Firstly to a teacher that is going to help struggling kids at Oakridge School, after that to 9 students with the new ABC Adventure Program at GLA and lastly to some of the teachers at the Makukhanye Primary School.  4 of the ABC Adventure students did their practical at Makukhanye school and are now helping struggling kids at the school on a weekly basis.

Being back in Jeffreys Bay, I am taking time to once again market the different training opportunities in the Kouga area as well as the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.

In a few month's time it will be 10 years since I returned to South Africa and started this work of tutoring children from poorer communities.  The Sophakama Tutor Programme has been a good tool to help many kids.

I am grateful!

Evelyn

Every chair taken!

Two weeks ago literally every chair in my apartment was 

taken, when all 7 of this year's Interns came to our 

teaching time.  We have started the year with 2 weeks 

of focusing on characteristics of teachers and children. 

Now, we are looking into why ALL the activities in the 

Daily Program of the Playschool are important and how 

to run a Daily Program that will develop the Preschooler 

in totality.  7 is more than I had planned for, but I am 

excited for what the Internship can open up for each one 

of them.  Last year, two of the Interns found new interests 

and opportunities for their future and I am grateful that 

the Programme could play a part in that.

The Maths Club in Lingelihle also started with a bang! 

I could never have imagined that kids would be so excited 

to attend a Maths Club.  I am happy that 2 of the 

Interns are joining me there.  The help with the older 

grades and that should free me to help those with learning 

difficulties.

In Carinus, I am taking Grade 1 learners again in small 

groups.  During the holidays I developed a reading book for 

teaching Afrikaans reading and I am now testing this material 

with these learners. So far, so good!!!

We have lost 3 monthly donor this past months.  So, if you 

are doing a sport event and would like to make us your charity, 

this link could help to channel funds to us.

Evelyn

Camp and Graduation

 The 2nd of November 2019 will be remembered by many as the day Siya Kolisi's Springbok team won the Rugby World Cup in Japan, but for some kids from Cradock it will always be remembered as the day they for the first time ever, swam in the ocean.

So, 1-3 November I took 10 kids and 2 of the 2019 Interns camping in Jeffreys' Bay.  We were welcomed in the Mission House on the Global Leadership Academy's Campus.

The first evening we sang songs, played games and divided into groups for team activities.  Saturday morning picnic food and snacks were prepared after breakfast and then the great trek down to the beach took place.  For the locals it wasn't really a beach day, with the wind blowing a little bit strong, but a little bit of wind wasn't going to stop any Cradocker from this first in a lifetime experience.  We first had a photo shoot at the Dolphin Statue and then it was into the waves.  It was fun to witness their excitement!

Later those who were brave enough also had the chance to go down the Super Tube Slide a few times.  After ice-cream they took another dive in the sea, before returning to the Mission House exhausted.

In the late afternoon it was time for Netball and Soccer, boys against the girls. (Needless to say that the girls won the Netball and the boys the Soccer.)  It was great fun!  Before we had pizza I taught them a new card game which also involved the grabbing of spoons :-D!!!!  After dinner we made photo frames and then we watched a movie together.

The next morning Cornelius Ngosa came to share his life story with us, which was very inspirational.  The camp was a great success!  The kids were SO co-operative and the Interns SO helpful in every way.

The next weekend, 8 November 2019, we then had our Internship Graduation.  It was a celebration of their engagement with this programme.  New things lies ahead for each one of them.  I wish them well.

Evelyn

Sophakama Internship 2019

I feel so happy about this year's Intens!

I have 5 students.  2 from the ACVV; 1 from Michausdal; 1 from Lingelihle and 1 from my church in town.  Each one of them are bringing something unique to the table, when we meet on Friday mornings. 

The lady from Michausdal work with me twice a week in Carinus Primary School, where we give more individual attention to 60 Grade 1  learners.  In this the 3rd term, out of the 60 learners, only 10 kids' progress are slower than we have hoped for, but are still in a far better place than when we started with them in February.  The rest of the kids are progressing so much and that brings us joy.  We have made a difference in these kids' lives.  I am happy for this Intern to have had the opportunity to have this exposure.  Now she understands the process of learning to read and she will be able to teach other kids as well.

The lady from Lingelihle has a real heart of compassion for the hurting girls in her community.  She has decided to study Social Work next year.  I think the Community Project Management is proving to be very beneficial to her.

One of the ACVV Interns is also looking into furthering her studies in Social Work.  She has impressed me with her commitment and deep thoughts about life.

The last 2 Interns are guys.  The second ACVV Intern is working with me at the After-school programme of the ACVV 2 afternoons a week.  He has an understanding of Higher Grade Maths, which is very useful.  He also has a heart for Children's Programmes in the community and on Saturdays you might find him holding Gwarra-dance competition in Michausdal.

The last Intern is a young man with a heart to use sport in poor communities as a tool to mentor learners in the area of Social/Emotional well-being.  He is also working towards Hockey coaching qualifications in the pursue of this dream.

In November we hope to take some of the older children we taught this year on a camp.  We look forward to this weekend with the kids at the seaside.

That will conclude this year spent together as Sophakama Internship 2019.

Evelyn

More than meets the eye!

The end of last year I was really worried about one of the girls whom I taught.  It seemed that she was bent on throwing her future away.  It was as if the hurt that she felt made her reckless.  Her guardian though, committed to provide her with a good, safe space to come to terms with her hurt.  And so, I was amazed at the girl that returned after the holidays.  Her clothes, hair and attitude all proclaimed a greater peace.  She is now even helping others with their work.  Thank you, Mamma for your wise love and care.

Last week I started assessing the kids who the Grade 1 teachers identified as those who, with a little bit of help, would be able to learn the skills needed to pass Grade 1.  It is nice to work with those who are eager to learn and loves a challenge.  Their eyes have a brightness.  Then you also get those who just lacked the stimulation, but will with a little bit of discipline get there.  The hardest to work with are those who have come to believe that they can't.  With them, every, however small, success, needs to be celebrated, magnified and poured into their soul, with a teacher's praise of the mouth and belief in the eyes.  This might take time, but what beautiful flowers will the soil so watered produce.

The good news that I received from Patensie and Jeffreys Bay is that the tutoring of last year were successful.  Parents are happy!  The tutors are therefore encouraged and passionate to continue helping more children.  I trust that this will also happen with the people I am training here in Cradock this year.

A New Maths Club in Cradock!

Yes! 

A month ago I started a Maths Club in Lingelihle, Cradock at the Church of the Assention, Anglican Church. When I went to suggest this possibility, Rev. Zweli Tom was very positive and immediately gave a retired teacher in the congregation the responsibility to partner with me to see to the establishment of this club. This opportunity was then made public during two Sundays in the Worship Service, after which I evaluated all the learners that came. Now, after one month there are 12 learners enrolled at the club.

When the first learner arrived for evaluation I was a little nervous to see that she was a High School learner, since I made it very clear that this Club will start to lay the foundation in Maths. At the end of the day most of the learners that came were Grade 8's. When I however graded their evaluation sheets, I saw that they indeed still need some work on their foundation. I have seen in the past that it is actually never too late to lay the foundation and that it will help them to continue with better grades.

It is with sadness though, that I also observed that these learners already carry emotional scars, because of their struggle in Maths. I try to communicate that there is no need to be embarrassed when you are practicing a new skill and struggle. You should rather be embarrassed when you quit practicing a skill, in other words, give up. They however are learners that are willing to invest time and energy after school to continue practicing their Maths Skills. I am convinced that they will indeed reap the reward of this sacrifice.

At Carinus Primary School, where I am helping one Grade 1 teacher with 19 of her learners who need help with reading and perceptual development, I am happy with the learners' progress. I hope that we will be able to continue here and even grow the programme.

All the best for this last stretch!

Evelyn

Homework clubs in Churches

I was so encouraged 10 days ago when I attended the Beyers Naude Workshop for the churches in the Eastern Cape in Willows, Port Elizabeth. The theme of the day was: Alternative Economic Models. In her talk, Rene August, (an Anglican Priest that is a staff member of The Warehouse) presented one of the main solutions that the church so easily can engage with, as opening their spaces to homework clubs in the afternoons free of charge. She continued to say that it will have a huge impact on our economy when the youth are able to finish their education. Of course, I agreed with her completely.

After this session, I spoke to Hendry Tromp of the URCSA, Gelvandale. He was happy to know that what he and I started in 2013 at his church, was now recognized as something all churches should engage with.

Here in Cradock I know of two churches that are doing just that. (There might be more, but I have not discovered them.) One is in Atlanta, Lingelihle. Their building is a sink structure that leaks when it rains. Yet, when the pastor of this church was asked if a homework club can be started in his church, he immediately agreed and encouraged the church's members to get involved with it. Well done, to him!

My experience has been that:

* kids don't as a rule destroy these properties

* these spaces are left clean after it was used

* if congregations get involved the church and the community benefit from this getting to know each other.

I would like to encourage those that see a need for a homework club in their community to approach churches in their community and ask them if they would be open to host a homework club. You might be surprised at how eager they are to help. If they are not eager, at least you held up a mirror in front of them, so that they could see their hearts. (The time when churches could be comfortable and excluded from the problems the community is faced with, is long gone.)

In studying Early Christianity I discovered that the word synagogue has the meaning of the gathering of people. In the first century the building where people gathered for prayer, was the community center. I think it is time to bring this together again. We have all these buildings. Let it again become centers of empowering communities to live lives as whole human beings. Education will be a very strategic area in this vision. Living in Egypt within the Coptic Community, I saw this lived out practically with wonderful success.

Come on, try it!

Evelyn

Teaching Maths in Large Classes.

In a radio interview in 2014 Max Du Preez spoke to Brian O’Connell on RSG about the education situation in South Africa. Brian in that interview said: “Because South African children these days have only 20 % of the resources that white kids had before 1994, we must become incredible in teaching large classes.”

I was very intrigued by this statement, not completely convinced that it is realistic to hope or pray for something like that. The end of last year though, I met a couple from the USA who have been working in a Township School in Cape Town. There they developed a method how to teach CAPS-Maths in the primary level in large classes, who has proven to be very successful. The key they say is that learners get a lot of time to practice in the classroom, without the fear of making a mistake.

Two schools in Jeffrey's Bay have now committed to learn this method. This makes me extremely hopeful. If we can introduce this method to more and more schools, what positive influence will this be able to bring about in our educational system.

Now, I also have hope that there might be a method to teach reading in large classes, without leaving a large percentage of learners behind. If you, as a teacher, have a method that has been working in classes of 40/45+ in the area of teaching reading, please share that with us.

Evelyn