Gogo Projects

Since the appointment of Megan Baston in 2006 as manager to the project, it became obvious that the provision of books did not equal readers. Something more was needed.

It was upon returning from “busing” one day, towards the end of 2006 that Megan and Sue Skidmore were greeted by the Headmaster of Daveyton Intermediate and following discussion were invited to speak to the foundation phase teachers in the school. The teachers told us that children are taught in English from Grade 4 so it is vital that in the early grades the children begin to read in English as well as their mother tongue.

From this discussion the concept of the “Reading Gogos” was born. We began reading in February 2008. There are now 22 Gogos who visit the school each Friday morning to read to the 450 children in the foundation phase. 3 Gogos per class read for 30 minutes in one class before moving on to a second class. It is easier to move the Gogos than the children! Some of the Gogos also read to the “strugglers” in grade 3 in smaller groups in the warehouse.

Both the Gogos and the teachers have been excited by the achievements that have been attained – some we expected some we didn’t!

The teachers report:

• Reading is improving across the foundation phase.
• Children are more confident in class, answering and asking questions.
• Attendance on Friday (Gogo day) is 100%
• Demand for Grade 1 places at the school for next year has increased three fold.

The Gogos observe:-

• There is an improved culture of reading in the school. Teachers are encouraging reading and children are even reading in the school holidays!
• Children’s “reading stamina” has improved during the year. Children are seen enjoying and participating in reading sessions instead of wriggling and talking!
• A Grade 1 child (whose Gogo at home is illiterate) is now reading with confidence.

As a co-ordinator I observe:-

• The relationship between the Gogos and the teachers is blossoming- both respecting the role the other has – to the benefit of the children.
• The children have come to know and love us – realising we are the same as them- just a different colour.

The air of excitement that now pervades Ekufundeni has meant that there are more people involved in the concept of developing a reading culture. Consequently more ideas are being generated and we are beginning to dream!

One thing that is becoming clearer is that there needs to be more teacher support. Historically Foundation Phase teachers have been under qualified and under supported for their important role.

• Awarded teachers who have taken out the most books with classroom bookshelves.
• Provided books for the whole school for a morning of reading.
• Invited local authors to read to the children.

• Transforming the warehouse into a resource centre with access to the internet.
• Accessing funding for an “in-service” teacher who will visit each school for a week. The ‘in-service” teacher will support those teachers who have identified a personal need in the highly complex task of teaching reading.
• Having more resource books available to aid teachers in their lesson planning.
• Having multiple copies of culturally and age appropriate books.
• To have a greater variety of titles for both teachers and children – more books!
• To extend the “reading Gogo” project to another schools.

If the teachers are better supported then the children will benefit. There is an African saying – “It takes a village to raise a child”. We now believe that it takes a community to help a child to read in an environment where the culture of reading is weak. It needs many community members to redress the imbalances of the past.

Volunteers are people who are passionate about books and reading and are willing to commit themselves to reading at primary township schools on a regular basis.

Contact Sue Skidmore (Gogo coordinator)
sue.skidmore@mweb.co.za

The Reading Gogos begin their reading session at Daveyton Intermediate School each Friday morning at 9 am, finishing at 10am. They read to the grade 1, 2 and 3 children.