A team of four tutors at Alfred Stamper Primary School in Zwelethemba has proved that all a child really needs is guidance.
Children always try to bring out the best in themselves, even if it is just by solving a sum in mathematics or reading aloud. As a rule, they appreciate whatever comes their way, even if they sometimes have to adapt to change.
So says Nompumelelo Maphingana, tutor team leader of the after-school programme Game Changers. “We are game changers,” she said about the work the team does.
“We have brought about a change in attitude among learners. We have shown them that every child has the ability to shine and change their 30% mark into a 80% one.”
The Game Changers’ services were enlisted last September, in which they had a two month contract. The programme was renewed for the whole of 2018, since the programme had brought about an improvement in the marks of participating learners.
Each tutor has a total of 20 Grade 4 learners in a class, teaching English and mathematics from 14:00 to 16:00.
Zanoxolo Bushula, a tutor, says the team also faces challenges.
“Like any assignment, there will be a challenge,” he said. “The kids are not used to this programme. We are faced with some learners who are being teased by other scholars, saying that the programme is for the dumb. That’s why some of our kids end up not coming to class because of the stigma.”
Bushula adds he was quite surprised at the number of learners who had repeated Grade 4, compared to his time at primary school.
He says he is glad he can be of help to the school. Bushula’s class was the top achiever of the four classes, and he has seen improvement with learners able to move to the next grade.
Another tutor, Zukhanye Nqavashe, says: “I’m honoured to have been given this opportunity, as I realise I am working with the most vital organ: the mind of a child.”
