The Reading Room
Children read aloud, sound out words and explore stories with caring volunteers in a supportive after-school setting.
Bonteheuwel • Cape Town
The BonteKids
Building bright futures with books and meals.
The heart of Shaylex
Books feed the imagination. Meals fuel the learning.
BonteKids is a cornerstone Shaylex Community Projects programme in Bonteheuwel. Approximately 40 children gather for after-school reading support and meals in a safe, encouraging environment.
The programme aims to strengthen literacy skills, reading confidence, comprehension and general wellbeing. The organisation describes the community as facing serious literacy challenges, with up to 80% of children struggling with basic reading skills.
Nourishment for Learning
A nourishing meal is an integral part of each session because concentration and energy matter when a child is learning.
Beyond Reading
Museum outreach, aquarium visits and community experiences help children learn beyond the usual reading environment.
The challenge
Learning needs a place to land.
Sessions have historically taken place on an open patio or stoep. Without a fully protected indoor or sheltered learning area, Cape Town weather can interrupt the rhythm children rely on.
Help create the space ↗Join the journey.
Consistency, care and a little shared time can help a child feel that learning belongs to them.
Volunteer ↗ Donate ↗