A community worker in Grabouw has taken it up on himself to make sure laaities remain in school.
Jan Farmer not only transports the kids to school but also gives them reading lessons.
He says he did this after he realised children stay at home because they cannot read or because they live far from the school.
Farmer, who is well-known in his community for his voluntary work, has also been running a non-profit organisation named Shalom Community Forum for more than 10 years.
“Absence is a big problem among the small kids,” he says.
“The school is too far for them to walk alone and there is often no one to walk with them and then they stay absent.
“I pay petrol costs, with two monthly donations, and I transport these kids to and from school every day of the week.
“These kids come from families where the circumstances are very difficult.
“Since I started transporting them, their school attendance has improved.”
Farmer also gives reading lessons to boys and girls in Grade 2 and 3.
“There are cases where Grade 2 and Grade 3 kids cannot read. Most of the children did not have pre-school education due to finances.
“On Wednesday evenings, I give 12 boys reading lessons and on Thursday evenings a lady helps me with eight girls.
“All these learners are between nine and 13 years old,” says Farmer.
During these lessons, he also gives the kids something to eat.
“Although money is often a problem, we are already seeing results in attendance and improvement in reading for learners,” he says.
Any donations can be made to the organisation’s bank account: JJN Farmer, Capitec Bank, account number 1227842501, branch code 470010.
clyde.adams@inl.co.za