Jeff Paulse, the founder of Athlone-based organisation, Reading and Writing Solutions (RWS), was among the Sub-council 17 civic award recipients who have been acknowledged for contributing to building a better society.
The organisation assists children who struggle with reading and writing and training is provided for adults to become reading tutors before being placed with schools where needed.
The award ceremony was held at the Athlone Stadium conference hall on Tuesday October 15.
Mr Paulse was nominated by Gwen Adams, who is the RWS team leader at Cypress Primary School in Bridgetown. She has been a volunteer reading tutor for RWS since its inception five years ago.
Earlier this year, the City of Cape Town called for nominations of individuals and organisations
to be considered for the civic awards.
Sub-council 17 acknowledged recipients from the three wards it represents – wards 48, 49 and 60.
Mr Paulse received the award from Ward 49 councillor, Rashid Adams.
The framed certificate he received, reads: “In recognition of dedicated and generous service to the community. Your commitment to service delivery is
hereby acknowledged with gratitude.”
On accepting the award, Mr Paulse said the organisation’s success was the result of the selfless dedication of its volunteers.
“I receive this award on behalf of all of you, with great humility. Our volunteers do great work and the results speak for itself.
“The Athlone News also played a valuable role in the growth and achievements of RWS since its inception in 2014. The first article of RWS appeared in March 2014, with the headline, ‘Athlone reading project takes off’.
“The Athlone News certainly helped us to take off. We have come a long way since that time – starting with 26 trained volunteers at Athlone North Primary School. I attended this school as a pupil, then came back as a student teacher, then a teacher, promoted to head of department, deputy principal and principal.
“We currently have 1 312 trained volunteer tutors all over the Western Cape. They have made an impact on the lives of more than 3 000 pupils who experienced reading challenges,” Mr Paulse said.