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Springville Farm plants seeds for literacy amongst workers

The desire of Mary and Graeme Stanford, owners of Springville Farm in Kokstad to improve their workers’ literacy levels led to the introduction of Adult Basic Education and Training in 2009.  On 21 September 2010 eight of the ten learners who enrolled in the multimedia training in English Literacy and Numeracy (assisted by education specialists Media Works) received their certificates.

“We originally thought the training would benefit a few workers, but on discussion with our training partner, Media Works, we agreed to include more for motivation purposes which, worked very well,” says Angus Stanford.

The training, which includes computer-assisted learning and facilitated training sessions, was held during working hours.  The workers, who are between the ages of 25 and 40, include potato-pickers, drivers, child-minders and general workers. 

They highlight their ability to now assist their own children with homework and the ability to read the newspaper as the most significant benefits.  “My greatest motivation was when one of my co-workers’ children came to ask for help with her nouns because her mother told her I was good with nouns,” reveals Dumisani Dingindlela from Scientific Roets.

In addition to the improved levels of confidence amongst the workers, the English literacy training is helping the farm eradicate Fanakalo as a means of communication.

Training facilitator Dumisani Dingindlela praised the farm owners for their ongoing support for the training intervention, in particular allowing the workers to attend training during working hours.

Graeme Stanford said the achievement of these workers will serve to encourage other workers to join the training in the next phase.

Front row: left to right
Andile Mkontwana; Dumile Dumisa; Solusizi Vuwani; Bhungalipheli Dumisa

Back row: left to right
Luvuyo Mkontwana; Thobeka Mkontwana; Nokuzola Florence Dumisa; Nomawethu Monica Mkontwana