On Monday, 2 November 2026, members of the Rotary Club of Waterfront and the Rotaract Club of Waterfront joined forces at St John’s Primary School in Kensington as part of the Club’s ongoing commitment to the school through its Whole School Development (WSD) Project.
St John’s is one of five primary schools participating in this initiative, which takes a holistic approach to supporting schools and strengthening the learning environment for children. Following a conversation with the school principal, Rotarians and Rotaractors were invited to support the school’s Foundation Phase learners (Grades R–3), with a focus on strengthening English comprehension, expression and fluency, while building confidence and developing their ability to interpret and understand stories.
Approximately 270 learners participated in the two-hour session, divided into three groups. Rotarians and Rotaractors took on the role of reading facilitators, creating an engaging and relaxed learning experience outside the traditional classroom.
Under the shade of the trees, learners had the opportunity to enjoy stories, interact, participate and discover that reading can be both educational and fun. The informal outdoor setting provided space for them to express themselves, build confidence and engage with one another in a different learning environment. One of the highlights was seeing the Grade 3 learners demonstrate their reading skills by reading to the younger children. It was a wonderful example of peer learning, with older learners encouraging and inspiring their younger schoolfriends.
To bring the session to a close, Rotaract President Stacey and Immediate Past President (IPP) Chevano read The Magic Key to the children. The learners thoroughly enjoyed the story, ending the morning on a high note. The session was a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful learning experiences happen beyond the classroom – through shared stories, encouragement, imagination and human connection.
Through the Whole School Development Project, the Rotary Club of Waterfront seeks to work alongside schools and their communities to address educational needs, strengthen learning opportunities and support the development of the whole child.
For the Rotary Club of Waterfront and its Rotaract Club, it was an opportunity to put service into action, support early literacy and, most importantly, help young learners discover the joy and confidence that come with reading. Because when we make reading fun, we open the door to a world of possibilities.
