Imam Abdulla Haron Education Trust and Anwar Jakoet Foundation donate books to early development centres

In communities where access to books is rare and illiteracy is rife, the Imam Abdulla Haron Education Trust (IAHET) and Anwar Jakoet Foundation (AJF) made access easier on Wednesday, January 28, when they donated books and play materials to various early childhood development centres (ECDs).

The event was held at the Grassroots Educare Trust (GET) in Athlone. The two organisations donated a range of educational books to nine ECDs across the metro as part of their ongoing commitment to supporting education and improving literacy in disadvantaged communities.

Anwar Jakoet said that the aim was to develop children. He emphasised that reading to understand is one of the most important skills for children. He mentioned that this year they will be rolling out a portion of the programme across the province.

During the event, Bayaar Laattoe of AJF said the organisation had visited several ECDs to assess their needs. He expressed concern over the lack of resources available to these centres.

“We have now decided to embark on a journey to make our children better readers and teach them how to read. We are now giving the teachers a task by providing them with the necessary tools. These books and other materials will give them confidence, and children will learn to work in groups,” he said.

He said it was concerning to hear reports that even at the university level, students still struggle with reading.

Mr Laattoe added that a key concern affecting young people today is that many children cannot read to understand. He added that the two organisations have teamed up with Grassroots Educare Trust to support efforts to improve literacy.

The chairperson of IAHET, Saleem Triechaardt, said that reading lays the foundation for all learning. He assured that his organisation will continue to support the ECDs, aiming to cultivate a love for reading and empower young people to embrace education.

The moment was emotional for both the principals and the donors when Fatima Haron-Masoet, the daughter of Imam Abdullah Haron, delivered a gratitude speech to the two organisations.

She recounted how her father used to visit the townships of Langa, Gugulethu, and Nyanga during segregation, providing food and hope to the people.

“Thank you for living the legacy of my father. My father was like an octopus; he had so many arms. He believed that people have a right to life and education. He loved each child and every child. He used to risk his life going to the townships during segregation years. People respected him, calling him Mfundisi. He empowered children. These books will build a foundation for future leaders and foster a love for reading,” she said.

The director of GET, Mareldia Tape, said the current education system often did not allow children to mature educationally.

Ms Tape stated that as long as young children are sent to school without time for play, they will continue to struggle with reading.

She noted that Grade R children are often overstressed with homework. She also urged parents to monitor their children and engage in play with them.

The donated books, which include storybooks, study guides, and materials to enhance the ECDs’ reading programmes, will help children engage more meaningfully with their teachers and education. The EDCs are located in Athlone, Langa, Wesbank, Blue Downs, and Hanover Park.

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