Rotary District 6900 and District 9350 (through MG #69357) provided Souns for literacy to 36 preschools near Knysna, South Africa, and 4 preschools in townships near Cape Town! Additional preschools were added through the SounsAfrica initiative, an outgrowth of the work of MG #69357. Individual Rotary Clubs and Interact clubs provided materials for preschools in Pretoria, Klerksdorp, and additional sites in Knysna. The Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) is initiating three pilot sites near Cape Town. The Basadi Pele Foundation in Krugersdorp has added Souns to their training and educare centers. Overseeing organizations such as the Knysna Education Trust in Knysna (KET), CECD in Cape Town, and the Basadi Pele Foundation offer dramatic possibilities for ensuring this work and effectively impacting literacy for the children of South Africa.
As PRI President John Kenny said, "Our future is our responsibility!" These children are going to impact the future of the world....and their future is in our hands.
Souns adapts to any language that uses the Latin alphabet. While letter-names are specific to the language, the majority of the letters have the same or very similar sounds in the different languages. Souns focuses ONLY on individual letter-sound associations - bridging language differences and better preparing children for success in school.
A voice from the field - Annette Nelson, Education Coordinator and mentor for Knysna Education Trust:
The introduction of [letter-sounds] in this manner.......has, most incredibly, paved a way for simultaneoous multi-lingual language development. If there is any way for us to find benefactors to sew into the lives of our children, especially those who have been labeled as disadvantaged, such a gift of literacy, then I, we, will be forever indebted to your kindness. To me, since I have been in the teaching arena, this has been one of the most interesting, invigorating and inspiring journeys yet.
Souns leads to letter-sound knowledge; letter-sound knowledge leads to sounding out words; sounding out words leads to reading; reading leads to success in school; success in school leads to greater opportunity and a more independent life.
Souns materials for a preschool class costs $200. The materials are tough, non-toxic, and will last for years. Importantly,100% of all donated funds are for materials that directly reach the preschool. No other expenses for administration, shipping, training, or travel are covered by your $200 donation.
Please help! Phone or email +770-335-2743 / souns@counterpane.org