{"id":269670,"date":"2025-10-22T08:13:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T06:13:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/districtmailhelderberg\/?p=269670"},"modified":"2025-10-22T08:13:29","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T06:13:29","slug":"strand-rotary-builds-sustainable-reading-corners-for-local-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/districtmailhelderberg\/strand-rotary-builds-sustainable-reading-corners-for-local-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Strand Rotary builds sustainable reading corners for local children"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The announcement was made at a special club meeting attended by Rotary district governor Pam Rawbone.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Club members enjoying fellowship and conversation during the visiting District Governor\u2019s evening \u2013 community, food and inspiration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A cosy reading nook ready for story time \u2013 soft cushions, a little tent and age appropriate books to welcome young readers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“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. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Such projects are exactly what Rotary is about \u2013 community, service and opportunity. I’m proud to see the club take this important step.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 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