Strand Rotary hosted a soft launch of Reason to Read, a pilot project to create cosy, sustainable reading corners in early-childhood development (ECD) centres as well as primary school classrooms across Gordon’s Bay and Strand, in September.
The announcement was made at a special club meeting attended by Rotary district governor Pam Rawbone.
Reason to Read will place low bookshelves, age-appropriate books, soft seating and caregiver read aloud guides in local ECD sites to boost early literacy and provide quiet spaces for children to regroup.
Strand Rotary has committed R10 000 as a match fund to multiply community donations, and Exclusive Books has agreed in principle to support the project with children’s titles.
The club will install its first Reading Corner at the ACVV’s Tink Tinkie Pre school; two further sites will be selected during the pilot phase.
The meeting also welcomed new members Lethu Sisusa and Robert Nicholls, and recognised Deidre Petersen and Lanese Hesselman with Paul Harris Fellow awards for their outstanding service.
“Early access to books and a calm place to read makes a measurable difference to children’s language, confidence and school readiness,” said Elenore Baiocchi, president of Strand Rotary.
“Reason to Read is a simple, low-cost intervention that has big potential. We are very grateful to local partners and the anonymous donor whose seed gift lets us match community support.
“Such projects are exactly what Rotary is about – community, service and opportunity. I’m proud to see the club take this important step.”
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