Welcome Parents and Children!
Xhosa Fundis offers weekly Saturday morning workshops for children between the ages of 3 and 9. These fun-packed and ‘edutaining’ workshops are based on the songs of our delightful and upbeat audio CD – Xhosa Songs for Kids (see the MATERIALS FOR SALE page).
How the workshops are run
Each workshop includes a story based on the vocabulary of that week’s song. The story is narrated and acted out for and /or by the children. Everything is on a voluntary bases – no child is forced to do anything. We have a very gentle and encouraging approach. The songs are performed for the children and they are invited to join in with the actions and words.
In addition to stories and action songs, the carefully designed workshops include memory games, quizzes, listen and respond running games (using beautifully illustrated flash cards created by our awesome designer!). Each workshop is held together by the Xhosa greeting song to start, and the goodbye song to end.
Why we are offering workshops for children
The most recent government policy re. Second Additional languages at schools means that for many the option of learning a third language is becoming even more remote. We would therefore like to offer the opportunity for children to enjoy learning Xhosa outside of school. Living in a country with 11 official languages, and where Xhosa and Zulu (very similar to each other) are by far the most spoken home languages in South Africa, it would clearly strengthen and enrich any child’s future to have at least some knowledge and appreciation of them. It is indeed a great gift to give your child.
Both Xhosa-speaking and non Xhosa-speaking children are welcome to attend our workshops. The stories, action songs and games make it a fun way for children (and parents) to meet new friends, express themselves, and benefit from a variety of activities alongside that of language acquisition.
Workshop dates, times, facilitator and facilities
The first Workshop of term 1 starts on Saturday 21 April and runs every Saturday for 8 weeks, ending on Saturday 9 June.
The Workshops are divided into the following times and age groups:
- Ages 3 to 6 years: 9am – 9:40 am
- Ages 7 to 9 years: 9:45am – 10:30 am
Parents of ages 3 – 6 year olds are strongly encouraged to join the workshops which (for this age group) focus on parent-child interaction. Parents of 7 – 9 year olds and their siblings are invited to relax in the lounge / dining room and deck areas or in the well equipped park just over the road. Regular tea and coffee are available free of charge.
Our facilitator, Nobuhle Ketelo, is an accomplished actress, singer and poet. Nobuhle has proved to be entertaining and animated, as well as attentive to the children’s needs, gentle and kind.
Payment
In order to make this viable for us, we request the full terms fees upfront. This can be done in cash or via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). However, should you wish to try out a lesson you are welcome to do so for a straight fee of R60.
Total fee required for Ages 3 – 6 years: R530 (Registration fee: R50 & 8 Workshops @ R60 each)
Total fee required for Ages 7 – 9 years: R570 (Registration fee: R50 & 8 Workshops @: R65 each)
Siblings of children who have signed up for a term, are welcome to attend a few ad hoc ‘drop-in’ classes at a rate of R60 / R65 per class, but only if the class is not yet full. We take a maximum number of 10 learners per group, so that each child can get enough attention during the class.
For more information on our Xhosa for Kids workshops, or to be sent a registration form, please email molo@new.co.za.
