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GEORGE NEWS - An outcry from worried parents of Lancewood Primary, a small farm school near Hoekwil, about their children's literacy levels yielded an unexpected, but highly positive outcome.
An education innovation specialist, in collaborative partnership with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), is excited about the possibilities for these learners which could be realised through an integrated programme, with the support of local businesses.
Sonja Squires, programme owner of Rise and Excel (a holistic development programme for children and a Neurolink corporate partner), happened to visit George all the way from the Northern Cape on Thursday 22 August, the publication day of the George Herald featuring the article 'Our children can't read': outcry from farming community. Since her speciality is innovative learning and development with literacy as a foundation among learners, especially in rural areas, Squires' son-in-law asked her to look into the Lancewood matter.
Video - Education innovation specialist speaks to Group Editors about Lancewood Primary School's challenges:
Eye-to-eye
Meetings were set up between Squires and school principal Jackie Ceronio, the school governing body (SGB) and the Western Cape Education Department.
WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton confirmed that the SGB members are very much in favour of the programme being implemented at the school.
"The WCED welcomes partnerships with the private sector to enhance overall educational outcomes," said Merton.
WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton
Support
Squires said they will embark on the Rise and Excel programme at Lancewood following positive discussions with all the role players. For a sustainable impact and long-term programme, which includes the training of local facilitators and mentorship through applicable learnerships, funds will be needed to drive this project.
"We invite local Southern Cape business leaders to partner with us," said Squires. There are different ways of getting involved. One way is to enroll business teams for a development experience.
"Neuro Agility is a vital skill and a key differentiator for companies seeking success and competitiveness in a disruptive world," said Squires.
This way funds can be injected into the Lancewood programme to launch practical innovative activities for improving learning skills, including mother tongue literacy, through individual assessment and development of natural talents in a long-term sustainable extramural programme.
Success
Squires has had much success in the Northen Cape. "In partnership with the Northern Cape Education Department and wind farms we have implemented post-Covid rurally," she said.
"We can demonstrate measurable improvement in participating individual learners' academic marks, school attendance and medal winning over a three-year period."
For more information, contact Squires on 078 831 2430 or send an email to sonja.squires@neurolink.co.za
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