Tigwirizane Reading Camp Brings Back Confidence in Reading Among Children

Just two years ago, Ida walked into  Tigwirizane Reading Camp in Phalombe District without knowing how to read or write words in English and Chichewa. While many learners in the same space were actively raising their hands and trying to pronounce words, Ida remained quiet and did not take part in class activities, not because she was shy, but because she could not understand or respond to what was being asked.

Today, Ida is an active student and she now participates in lessons with confidence, reads simple words aloud and joins spelling activities with other learners at the camp.

“The camp has helped me improve my reading and writing skills. I can now read confidently,” says Ida.

For Ida, Tigwirizane Reading Camp supported by World Vision Malawi has become a place where learning slowly started to make sense. She says the sessions have not only improved her literacy but also shaped how she behaves and relates with others at home and in school.

The reading camp is also changing the learning journey of Cecelia,8. Before joining the sessions, she often struggled to follow lessons and found it difficult to understand classroom work.

“Before joining the camp, I found it difficult to understand what I was learning. Now I am doing much better in class, and I believe I can achieve my dream of becoming a teacher,” says Cecelia.

According to World Vision’s Reading Camp Facilitator Funny Magwede, the camp meets twice a week and supports children aged between two and twelve years. Learners use digital books and educational videos on a tablet provided through program.

“The lessons are  more engaging and easier to follow due to the teaching materials we received. The children are now becoming more confident readers,” says Funny.

The initiative is also supported by the community through a local church which provides a  space for the sessions as part of its contribution to improving education in the area.

Church leader Mphatso Robert said the congregation saw the value of the programme in helping children build strong learning foundations.

“When we learned about the reading camp, we saw an opportunity to contribute towards the future of our children. Providing a meeting place was our way of supporting this important work,” says Robert.

Currently, the Tigwirizane Reading Camp supports 63 children and its helping them build literacy skills, confidence and positive behaviour as they continue their education journey.