Early Christmas in Khayelitsha

Christmas came early for 64 children at the Khayelitsha Isiseko Literacy Centre, thanks to gifts and books collected from the UCT community by the Centre for Higher Education Development's (CHED) Transformation Committee.

Run by eight community volunteers and funded by individuals and small organisations, the Isiseko Literacy Centre teaches literacy to children from under-resourced backgrounds.

A few days beforehand, the ZK Matthews Gallery in CHED's headquarters was transformed into a production line with assembly stations for clothing, stationery, toiletries, toys and luxuries, all of which were packed into shoeboxes for delivery.

Committee member Nicole Lesch explained: "Since the focus was on transformation, the idea behind the activity was to invite staff members to participate in the event as a community."

On the distribution day, the committee members were welcomed at the Isiseko Literacy Centre with lively dance performances and songs by the Isiseko children. This was followed by a site visit, lunch, and the eagerly awaited distribution of gifts.

Chair of the transformation committee, Associate Professor Mbulungeni Madiba (back row in picture, in red), said: "It is amazing to see the work that ordinary people are doing in the township to improve the lives of many children and to prepare them for education."

Find out more info about the Isiseko Literacy Centre and make a donation.

---

---