Reflection of a year with Book Village

have been reflecting on my time working with Book Village now that I am back in New Zealand and preparing to be a classroom teacher again. Being in South Africa and working with Book Village for most of 2023 has impacted me in so many ways. I am forever changed by the students, our tutors and the Book Village Team. The students I loved spending time with our learners - both at our school in Johannesburg and in Cape Town. They are resilient and brave, funny and delightful. They have had so many barriers and work so hard! Seeing the progress they have made, and the confidence they have developed, from the beginning of the year to now makes me emotional and just so proud. From reading with them on the app, to teaching them in person at the schools and running workshops and fun days for them, I loved the time I was able to spend with these beautiful children. They have such a huge portion of my heart and I think the only reason I was able to leave is because I know I will be able to continue to read with them online. I have countless funny interactions and sweet memories to take back with me. The tutors The people we have volunteering with Book Village are incredible! They, too, are resilient - dealing with our network and load shedding problems and showing up in the kindest, most supportive way for our learners. I have been able to meet some of you in person, some online and some over the headphones during reading sessions as we troubleshoot together. Thank you for being so invested and involved. Your humour and generosity is noticed, needed and so appreciated. I feel very lucky that I get to keep working as a tutor on the app even now that I am home in New Zealand. The Book Village Team Anyone who has met Lauren and Sarah knows how committed, passionate and compassionate they are. They love the students and work tirelessly to create the best outcomes for every individual that walks through the Book Village doorway. I have learned so much from working with them as we have trialled and tested new resources, teaching methods, ideas and solutions. We have laughed our way through the multitude of challenges that arise and I have been continually inspired by their seemingly endless tenacity and drive. This past year has been so special for me. It was so hard to leave but Book Village will always be a big part of my heart. Whether that's reading with the children on the app in the New Year, continuing to work with Lauren and Sarah in the background or my future visits to South Africa and our schools, I hope that I always get to be a part of Book Village.