During lockdown in 2020 a Grade R teacher from Lourensia Park noticed her learners’ parents had a hard time understanding and assisting their children with their homework. This spurred Marsheleen Williams (34) to starting her own homework hub and to help the youngsters with their assignments after school.
“In March 2020, when schools started to close for the lockdown, a mother came to me shortly afterwards and asked for help with her child, who couldn’t read properly. The news soon spread, for I had helped this child and she started reading better,” she recalled.
Soon afterwards, seven more learners signed up for her homework classes that she started offering after school.
“I noticed these learners had challenges in communicating,” Williams said.
“So I try to make my classes fun. I take time to assess each learner and then I work on their good points, really taking my time to get to know them.”
In between all of the teaching she is trying to find bigger premises, where she can help more children.
“I currently don’t have enough space to take in more learners. I need a bigger space and have been in talks with the City of Cape Town about the availability of an open piece of land in Lourensia Park. Currently I am doing everything I can to teach our children how to read and to become more literate.”
Williams is currently completing a diploma in early childhood development, although she already holds an NQF Level 5 qualification in Early Childhood Development from Boland College.
Marsheleen’s Reading and Homework Hub, as it is known on Facebook, is looking for sponsors for a laptop and printer.
“We currently have a shortage of laptops, and we need a printer because besides reading and homework being done, I also assist with projects and assignments or any research the learners must do,” Williams said.
“We need a printer to help these students to print their projects. If anyone wants to help us with donations they can give me a call on 076 925 5974.”
