AFTER opening its doors in 2013 and reaching out to the community, the Chain Centre is now ready to offer after school homework support to more children.
The homework assistance programme was launched earlier this year and will now be able to increase their service capacity from 15 to 30 children due to additional facilitators.
This important step came after Anthony Richenburg, the founder of the centre, realised the desperate need to get involved in education.
“After a meeting with the parents, I’ve made them aware of the extended benefits which includes a safe homework environment, an after-school snack, exposure to computers, free Wi-Fi, copy facility, reading improvement, peace of mind that homework is done, free basic stationery, performance rewards and motivation therapy where needed,” Richenburg said.
The centre has formed good relations with Morewag Primary School in Holland Park for the support offered through the homework assistance programme at the centre.
“We are fortunate to have a retired teacher, two mothers and a university student on the panel, who volunteer their services after school.
“Our mission at the centre is to engage in supporting vulnerable children, counselling and mentoring the youth, care giving and various other basic needs through constructive community development projects,” Richenburg said.
In 2017, Richenburg visited five local primary schools regarding the challenges the education system are facing.
Richenburg commented, “My passion for the children started in 2015 with our back to school road show, where we handed out small stationery packs to learners just before school opened.
“In 2016, we did a community survey on various needs and the after school homework, youth unemployment support, crime and sports were highly scored on the feedback report.”
According to Richenburg, the major challenge for the centre remains reading in general and giving personal care to every child.
“This is the missing piece at school where it becomes impossible today with the children and teacher ratio per class while still having to deal with discipline issues.
“The home environment, lack of resources and motivation today makes it difficult for many children to do their homework tasks and this is where we come in to fill the gap,” Richenburg added.
The Chain Centre is looking forward to seeing children around Port Elizabeth joining the programme and uplifting the community through their various projects.
“People who would like to become part of this great venture in giving their time and talent or who would like to benefit from the programmes at the centre, are invited to visit the facility at 9 Taylor Avenue in Holland Park,” Richenburg said.
