A reading challenge launched by Easy2learnkids in Strand is transforming reluctant readers into confident bookworms, with learners flocking to Gordon’s Bay Library to borrow their next book.

The challenge sees young children borrow books from the library or read their own at home. They then read aloud at Easy2learnkids, where teachers listen and assess their comprehension.

Learners who complete 20 books earn a spot on the Reading Wall and receive a prize. Classroom pride is also at stake: teachers are competing too, with the teacher whose class has the most learners on the Reading Wall receiving an overall prize.

Renske Surmon, principal and co-founder of Easy2learnkids, created the initiative after noticing many learners were struggling with literacy or were not reading enough outside the classroom.

The Southfork-based centre partnered with Gordon’s Bay Library to give learners access to more books.

The competition caught the attention of LiBee, the City of Cape Town’s library bee, who arranged for Gordon’s Bay Library to set up a mobile library service at Easy2learnkids.

The mobile library now makes regular visits to the tutoring centre for new book selections, with many learners receiving their first library cards.

Gordon’s Bay Library is part of the City’s library network, which runs youth literacy programmes including school visits, reading challenges, storytime sessions and the 1 000 Stories Before School programme for children from infancy to age five.

The response has been enthusiastic, with children visiting the library more often and becoming more confident readers.

Sponsors interested in donating prizes for learners who reach 20 books is asked to call Surmon on 082 455 0382.