Read to Rise launches new ECD programme in Mitchell's Plain

Read to Rise launched its new Oaky Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme at 3 Bears Educare in Portland.

Toddlers erupted with excitement when Oaky made a special appearance after programme manager Mr Roscoe Williams read the 10th Oaky book, Oaky Bakes a Cake, on Friday, February 9, at the educare.

Mr Williams said the organisation introduced the new Oaky ECD programme by showcasing its first wordless book, Oaky Bakes a Cake.

He said the children thoroughly enjoyed the story and that the programme will be rolled out to 20 ECD centres across Mitchell's Plain over the coming months.

“This is the 10th edition in the Oaky book series,” Mr Williams said.

He said Read to Rise also works with the foundation phase, emphasising that reading development begins at a young age.

“We received funding to focus on the foundation phase and ECD learning, which is an important area for us,” Mr Williams said.

Colleen Isaacs, centre manager at 3 Bears Educare, thanked Read to Rise for the initiative.

“This will help children with development, language, and storytelling. Early reading is so important in ECD, and it helps them learn to enjoy books. Thank you to the donors and Read to Rise, co-founder, Taryn Lock, for the donation. We hope this is an ongoing relationship,” she said.

Teacher Mia Sickle said the book will benefit children who struggle with reading words.

“This book will help many children with picture reading. It is useful for children who struggle with words, and taking them back to picture reading supports all age groups and encourages imagination,” she said.

She also thanked Read to Rise, co-founder, Athol Williams for the donation.