Amidst the rolling hills of rural Mashashane, Limpopo, a remarkable initiative has been nurturing young minds for 12 years. The Vahluri Reading Club, founded by Bianca Ledwaba and Gapenyana Mphahlele, has become a beacon of hope for children in the village, providing a safe space to develop essential reading skills.
The name “Vahluri” is derived from the XiTsonga word for “Champions/winners,” reflecting the club’s mission to empower young minds. Bianca and Gapenyana, driven by a shared passion for education, established the club in 2013 to combat the alarming reality that most South African primary school children struggle to read for meaning.
Through dedication and volunteerism, they’ve created a supportive environment where children can thrive. Every Saturday, children gather at the sponsored Paradise Creche near Tlakale Mashashane Secondary, eager to learn and grow. Under the guidance of Bianca, Gapenyana, and by far 12 volunteers, they engage in interactive reading classes, exploring the world of literature and expanding their vocabulary.
Vahluri Reading Club volunteers:
Matshidiso Mokonyama
Tebatso Boroto
Lebogang Matlatle
Victoria Mokwatlo
Karabo Mmatli
Karabo Ledwaba
Kgaogelo Matlatle
Shibe Monyamane
Lebone Mphahlele
The club caters to children from Grade 4-7, although they never turn back a child, as most have siblings. Gapenyana notes, “We’d like to accommodate all primary school grades and age groups through different programs and events, but we face a space challenge.”
Some of the programs and events they run include:
– Library education tours
– Annual WRAD (World Read Aloud Day) celebrations
On Saturday 22nd February, they hosted a successful Booknic 2025 event at MashFun Events & Entertainment Madinyane, featuring guest speaker Matshidiso Mokonyama, who shared her personal journey with epilepsy, inspiring awareness and empathy among the young participants.
As the guest speaker opens up, she says: “Sharing my journey with the Vahluri Reading Club kids was a liberating experience that broke down personal barriers and helped me conquer long-held fears. Growing up in a rural area, I struggled with epilepsy, carrying shame and embarrassment for years. But speaking to these children, I felt the weight lift off my shoulders. This initiative is motivational, empowering kids from Mashashane to be confident, authentic, and explore their talents without limitations. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire kindness, support, and compassion in these young minds, giving them the tools I needed as a teenager struggling with epilepsy.”
Matshidiso is also a talented writer, and she has defied the odds by rising above the challenges of epilepsy and rural upbringing, refusing to let her circumstances limit her potential.
Bianca expresses gratitude for the kindness shown by supporters, saying, “We’re truly humbled.” The impact of the Vahluri Reading Club extends beyond literacy skills, fostering confidence, self-esteem, critical thinking, and creativity in rural communities.
Gapenyana says they would love to host a reading competition for primary schools this year. “We would like to invite professionals or people with special skills, gifts, or talents to share their knowledge and wisdom with us,” Gapenyana explains. “The more our kids see tangible people, the more they see it possible to dream even bigger.”
To sustain and enhance their efforts, the Vahluri Reading Club relies on donations, seeking
•Basic stationery (paper, storybooks, pens, pencils, scissors, etc.)
•A lockable cupboard for book storage
•Financial support for educational outings and activities
You can support the Vahluri Reading Club’s noble endeavor by donating reading materials or contributing financially. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.
Contact:
+27 72 175 4445
+27 71 876 2412