by
Rob Jones
(World of Words fundraiser, tutor and administrator)
2019 has been another busy year for World of Words with sessions at Ton Pentre Juniors, Cwmclydach Primary, Parc Primary, Rhondda Housing Association, Tonypandy Library, Treorchy Library, Cwmclydach Community Centre, the Parc & Dare Theatre, Treorchy plus one to one home tuition.
WOW i.e. www.worldofwords.education spread its wings in a busy 12 months and as well as taking children aged 6 to 11 in daytime class sessions there has also been after school club action. All of this intervention has led to more interest in literature and improvements in skills within that discipline. There have also been many WOW instigated visitors who have spoken to many kids e.g.:
Artist, poet and broadcaster, Sion Tomos Owen
Ex-Welsh international rugby star and coach, Morgan Stoddart
BBC broadcaster and writer, Phil Steele
Magistrate and writer, Lynne Tippett
Artist and sculptor, Barry Lewis
Chiropractor, John Roberts
Children’s author, Mark Dorey
Photographer, Tony Smith
Rhondda Tunnel Society Chairman, Steve Mackey
Children’s novelist and PCSO, Sarah Phelps
Blind DJ and ten pin bowling champion, Paul Matthews
To add to which there has also been a foray into adult literacy with classes across several months at the Rhondda Housing Association offices in Tonypandy. This was a new challenge but it was a real joy to help a new batch of personnel on the route to improved reading skills. The link with RHA has also offered the opportunity to develop the Cultural Chapter group that invites local folk to Tonypandy Library for a social gathering and spark discuss about aspects of literature while exploring local history. To add to which since April an array of guests have been popular attractions to make these free meetings a real tonic. Please come along as all are welcome to attend.
The guests have included:
Rhondda Housing Association officer, Simone Devinett
Singer and musician, David Bayliss
Magistrate and writer, Lynne Tippett
Singer and musician, David Hoban
Children’s novelist and local PCSO, Sarah Phelps
Writer and historian, Phil Rowlands
Motivational speaker and Pastor, Grant Adams
Photographer, Tony Smith
World of Words tutor and local historian, Rob Jones
Reiki practitioner, Dawn Tyler
Poet and baker, Dylan Morgan
Festival organiser and teacher, Dawn Wood
Writer and musician, Stephen J. Preston
Positive thinking guru, Mark Elliott
Artist and Sculptor, Barry Lewis
Climate change campaigner, Kasper Adams
Singer, musician, artist and writer, Gerhard Kress
and, Pastor Simon Dalton will bring the spirit of Christmas via a December 17, 2-4pm slot at Tonypandy Library.
WOW hopes that more schools can join their quest to help children and also increase well-being via their rewards programme that has seen families enjoy free days out and tickets to an array of events.
WOW has also fundraised in order to run and develop its project and there have been other hurdles with banks causing mayhem as regards our business and that weight was a lot to carry! However, we managed to get through this period where our financial institutions showed their true colours with apathy and amateurism to the fore.
As 2019 closes – a fresh year and its challenges lie ahead. This whole reading ride enters year 12 and it is amazing to think that what was a 3 month trial in 2009 for an RCT authority led pilot scheme called Only Boys Allowed has now become a non profit social enterprise called World of Words that has managed to survive all sorts of obstacles across a lengthy period of time. Well, time for a pat on the back and it is onward and upward…..
WOW is available for school time classes, after school clubs, story time sessions and one to one tuition. 20 schools and over 2800 youngsters have been involved across the span of the initiative. Please get in touch via worldofwordswales@gmail.com or call 07981 633361.
