Literacy and learning workshop empowers Mitchell’s Plain parents

Mitchell’s Plain parents are now fully aware that school homework needs to be checked daily, routines must be established, bags and lunches need to be packed, sporting activities should be attended, and projects must be completed.

This newfound knowledge comes from an eight-session Wordwork Home-School Partnership workshop on literacy offered by the non-governmental organisation Wordworks, in collaboration with the Western Cape Education Department and Year Beyond, held at the Mitchell’s Plain Heights Primary School.

Facilitated by Florence Gaminie, a retired teacher, the workshop provided parents with fun ideas for games and activities to enhance their children's learning skills. The eight-session workshop trained parents on how to assist their children with reading, writing, and maths.

Throughout the workshop, parents were made aware of the importance of certain skills necessary to learn to read, write, and understand specific mathematics concepts. On Saturday, September 20, parents received their certificates, marking the completion of the programme.

The excited teacher praised the parents for dedicating their time to learn. She noted that the workshop has had a significant positive impact on the schools.

“This workshop will give parents an understanding of how they can help their children become maths literate at an earlier age, laying a solid foundation for their future. Now parents will be able to support their children effectively. The programme meets the needs of both parents and children. We taught them activities on how to teach their children while having fun. We have received positive feedback from the school regarding the confidence of the children of these parents,” she said.

The departmental head of Grade 4 at Mitchell’s Plain Heights Primary School, Heloise Kearns, shared her observations of the programme's impact on her students. She noted that her pupils are more engaged and confident in their schoolwork and are participating more actively in classroom activities. 

“It shows what parents are doing at home. This programme has educated parents to take education further. The informal learning that occurs at home, such as counting potatoes, is very important. It’s essential to incorporate fun into learning. The children are enjoying themselves because they play games and engage in drama. I am thrilled that parents are showing interest in their children's education,” she said.

She added that parents who are not part of the programme are missing out, potentially robbing their children of a better education.

Nicole Slimmert-Wyngaard expressed her gratitude for being part of the programme.

“The programme makes teaching at home very easy. It strengthens the relationship between a child and their parents. We do exercises together and spend quality family time without arguing," she said, adding that she, her husband are now able to teach their children through activities.

"What I appreciate is that now some children from the neighbourhood come to us for assistance,” she said.

Another graduate parent, Shamiela Davids, reflected on her experience, stating that she last attended school in 1995 and noted how different things are today.

“I have acquired knowledge that I did not have before. It would be very beneficial for all children if more workshops were held and if more parents could attend. At the end of the day, this is for our children. This workshop was incredibly beneficial for us. We grew as a family and learned to love each other more,” said Ms Davids.

Wordworks is a South African non-profit organisation that focuses on early language and literacy development in the first eight years of children’s lives.