Learning in Reach

Childrens House of Lavender Hill

Learning In Reach is a body of like-minded individuals with an interest in making South Africa succeed through education. We aim to empower the future generation with curiosity and a love of learning by ensuring education equality on the belief that this is the foundation for a stronger democracy.

Educational success extends beyond school hours, and school walls. We see the need for a major drive to engage parents and upskill them in order for them to better support the individual child. By offering solutions to the families of learners we aim to drive a shift in the community that drives hope and empowerment. ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ and we cannot disrupt the Early Childhood Development process without addressing the supporting structures, the main one being the child’s parents, as role models and leaders of these young children.

Background

Less than half of children in South Africa aged 3-6 years have access to a recognized preschool.

Only 6 out of 30 Early Childhood Development centres in Lavender Hill are registered, meeting the minimum standard of childcare required by authorities.

8 out of 10 children can’t read for meaning by the time they reach Grade 4.

82% of people in Lavender Hill over the age of 20 years have never completed Matric, making it almost impossible for them to further their education or find employment.

Our Story

Our vision for Children’s House of Lavender Hill is to create a safe, vibrant school that is the pride of the local community who seek to offer their children the best future possible. It is inclusive, welcoming, productive and peaceful. The school serves as a preschool, but also a hub of learning for teachers, parents and neighbours.

Our Team

Leanne Reid

With business experience spanning market research, product development and sourcing, business development, consultancy and training, Leanne exhibits day-to-day business acumen, project management skills and a determination for success. Returning to South Africa after 6 years of living abroad, Leanne has spent the last 9 years following her desire to make a significant impact on the lives of children in South Africa. Co-founding Learning in Reach in 2016, Leanne has been involved on the ground, managing the implementation of an asset based model of community development. Together with her emphasis on problem solving and taking action, Leanne shows great attention to detail. She believes that, in order for our country to succeed and for our own children to escape the fear of crime and violence that we live with on a daily basis, we have a responsibility to ensure that children in our neighbouring communities find safety, inspiration, education and a nurturing support system.

Mikayle Boosen

Mikayle has been working as a Childhood Development Practitioner in Lavender Hill for more than six years. She enjoys being around children and making them feel safe and loved, putting their needs before her own.

Her goal is to further her studies and complete her B.Ed degree with a focus on children’s psychology.

Mikayle completed a Montessori course in 2018 and would love to facilitate change and make a difference in Lavender Hill for the next generation to thrive and live in peace. Mikayle is the lead teacher for Children’s House of Lavender Hill which opened in March 2019. The school is changing the way parents and neighbouring preschools support children in this conflict-ridden community.