Latest news with #TheLink
Daily Maverick
29-06-2025
- General
- Daily Maverick
On top of the word — nonprofit boosts literacy rates at Joburg inner-city schools
In this last of a three-part series on South Africa's child literacy crisis, Anna Cox and Cecilia Russell visited The Link, a nonprofit organisation that has recorded almost 300,000 volunteer hours since its inception in 2010. By providing focused, individual attention, children's literacy rates have increased by more than 30%. A project that has shown credible results in Johannesburg inner-city schools is The Link, a nonprofit organisation operating in 18 centres and going since 2010. Since then, 8,156 children have passed through its doors, with Grade 3s from low-income schools given 300,000 hours of literacy and numeracy assistance. The programme has recorded 300,000 volunteer hours. Currently, about 450 volunteers teach the children, who attend classes twice a week for an hour. Year on year, from 2019 to 2023, the literacy results have been consistent, ranging from a 25% to a 31% increase. The children come from a variety of single-parent, grandparent and child-led homes, have multiple cultures and languages and are in schools that are typically overcrowded and underresourced. Most arrive at school not speaking or understanding English, says coordinator Maggie Fussell. Teachers identify the children who have reading and numeracy difficulties at the beginning of each year and send them to Link volunteers, who perform a further assessment. From there, a number of children are selected for the programme, depending on the number of volunteers and the space available. The children are assessed again at the end of the school year. Mamokete Mhlongo, department head of the foundation phase at Orange Grove Primary School, says the programme has helped many of the pupils. Most children come to the school from Alexandra, where there are a variety of languages spoken. About 40% of pupils who arrive at the school each year do not understand any English. 'Our teachers are battling with very big classes. The children love to go to The Link classes and always come back happy. We can see a difference in their confidence levels as well,' says Mhlongo. There are currently 18 Link centres operating at schools in and around Johannesburg, reaching 800 children every week and covering areas of Orange Grove, Soweto, Germiston, Fordsburg, Brixton, Riversands, Azaadville, Coronationville and Yeoville. All these centres are recognised and work with full permission of the Gauteng Education Department, which allows the extra teaching to be done during school hours as well as the use of school premises. The organisation was founded in 2010 by Margi Bashall, a schoolteacher at Salvazione Primary School in Brixton, who is passionate about education. Drawing on different sources of specialist primary school teaching expertise from around the country, Bashall designed positive, sustainable and measurable literacy and maths Grade 2 and 3 interventions. During the next four years, she, together with eager volunteers, expanded the number of schools. 'All our centres are managed and staffed by volunteers, mainly community members who are committed to making a difference in education and who enjoy working with the children. 'The volunteers do not need to have any teaching experience but they are required to be fluent in English. We provide basic training and all the resources that are required,' says Fussell. Each reading session lasts 45 minutes. The first 15 minutes are spent on paired reading. The middle 15 minutes is used to practise handwriting and play educational games to raise phonological awareness. 'Our programme provides a structured, safe environment for both the learners and the volunteers. We give the children one-on-one attention, which is impossible for teachers who have 40 to 50 learners in each class. With us, the children are given individual attention. We read, play educational games and end the sessions with 15 minutes of one-on-one reading a story. Many don't have books in their homes and many have never had a story read to them. It is often their favourite part of the lesson and it creates a love of books. 'Teachers at all our partner schools are supportive of our efforts and are consulted regularly,' she adds. The Link has a very low-cost operating model because it is a volunteer-based organisation, with the result that it only costs R1,000 to fund a child's literacy and numeracy support for one school year. While there is generally good cooperation with school governing bodies, teachers and principals, there are some problems: School governing board members who do not appreciate the value of the project; Lack of volunteers, especially in lower-income areas, and trying to find passionate and dedicated individuals to help with the programme's growth; Lack of space to teach in some schools; Lack of parental support; and Interruptions because of school activities. 'However, we get great cooperation in most schools. Most teachers appreciate the help we can give the learners who are battling with English, as they simply do not have time to assist the children. Some go as far as having workshops with parents and teachers, encouraging them to help their children to read and to help them support their children's literacy development. 'We also encourage parents to read with their children and we provide resources like free digital storybooks. We understand that this can be difficult, as a lot of parents work long hours.' The Link would like to expand the schools that it partners with, but this is always dependent on finding volunteers and funding, says Fussell. Where they cannot help, they distribute the Link in a Box, which consists of five sets of cards, readers, related games and storybooks, which costs R2,700, but which is provided to mainly rural schools for R500. DM This feature was produced with the support of the Henry Nxumalo Foundation. This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
What's On
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
A food hall is coming to the The Link at One&Only One Za'abeel
Culinara Social Dining is the newest food hall addition to The Link… A food hall will soon open at One&Only One Za'abeel – Culinara Social Dining is the latest addition to The Link's foodie offerings, and an interesting departure from the ethos of the venue so far. 3 of 12 The city has seen a number of popular celebrity chefs from around the world set up their Dubai outposts at what was one of the most hotly-anticipated dining destinations of last year. However, this new set of openings seems to be championing a more regional pool of culinary talent, with 12 curated, homegrown concepts filling the space. Among the list, we have, The Dish by Chef Sperxos, a modern taste of Greece, offering dishes like deconstructed lamb loin souvlaki and red-prawns orzo saganaki. Regional powerhouse Chef Reif Othman of Reif Kushiyaki and Hoe Lee Kow will be opening two concepts – SIO Ramen House, serving up slow simmered broths and inventive noodle dishes – and KONA Pizza House – a mish-mash of Japanese and Korean ingredients, put together with Italian tradition. Restauranteurs Javier de la Flor and Roberto Segura, who helms two hit food hall concepts and two cafe concepts in Dubai, are bringing Crudo Raw Tapas Bar, offering crudo and tapas with locally sourced ingredients. Seiran is all about Persian food, with a focus on charcoal-grilled meats, kebabs, stews and saffron rice, brought to you by veteran restaurateur Masoud Shafie. At Joumana's Table, brothers Khaled and Maleck Habib are serving food inspired by the memories of their childhood and their mother's treasured recipes, passed down through generations. Think slow-cooked stews, expertly chargrilled meats, and golden mezze. Nette is already a Dubai favourite, and is bringing a touch of wellness with a French-Japanese menu rooted in susbtainability. The Coffee Lab, led by founder Osama Belshalat, is all about coffee and offers expertly roasted speciality coffee, pastries and signature drinks like Spanish cortado and coconut latte. HighBall is the stylish central bar from local hospitality team Tactile Food Group. The innovative menu features house-made infusions, low-ABV selections, and drink collaborations with fellow concepts at The Link. A little different from the dining concepts, there is ITALTOUCH, a gourmet grocery store by Massimo Vidoni, where guests can shop a range of Italian truffles, artisanal oils, sauces, cheeses, and sustainable caviar, while enjoying indulgent in-store tastings, such as caviar with blinis and crème fraîche. African + Eastern will also have a store, offering fine wines and premium spirits. Besides the resident concepts, the venue is also offering a calendar of events with themed nights and guest chef appearances. More concepts are yet to be announced, so stay tuned for that. The hall itself is set to open this May, 2025. @culinaradubai Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
FACT
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Reif Othman opens two new restaurants inside the world's longest cantilevered building
Savour pizza and ramen while suspended 100 metres above Dubai. Reif Othman is one of the UAE's most popular chefs. He is behind FACT Award-winning restaurants and was named our Chef of the Year in 2022. Now, the celebrated chef has launched two new concepts inside The Link at One Za'abeel. Known for his unconventional take on Japanese street food, SIO is a dedicated ramen house that dives deep into the soulful simplicity of Japanese comfort food. Taking its name from the Japanese word for 'salt,' the concept elevates the traditional noodle shop experience with a refined yet heartfelt menu. Highlights include the signature SIO Ramen, a bowl brimming with homemade broth, tender steamed chicken, marinated egg and a bright pop of sudachi citrus; the indulgent Carbonara Udon, crowned with an onsen egg, crispy beef bacon and shaved pecorino; and the bold, broth-less Spicy Vongole Ramen, where fresh clams combine with hojiso, shiso leaves, and a fiery kick of yuzu togarashi. Next door, KONA — meaning 'powder' or 'flour' in Japanese — marries Italian tradition with Japanese flair. This bold pizzeria offers more than just the familiar Margherita and Pepperoni. Signature pies include the Diavolina, layered with gochujang tomato sauce, marinated Wagyu ribs, and galbi mayo; the Ama Ebi, which combines spicy tomato sauce, red yuzu kosho, and fresh shrimp; and the daring Spicy Kaki, topped with beef nduja and sweet persimmon. While KONA might be new, pizza is hardly uncharted territory for Reif, who was behind the marvellous menu at Moonslice Pizza when it opened in 2021. 'SIO and KONA are very personal projects for me,' says Chef Reif Othman. 'They reflect my love for pure, bold flavours and my passion for pushing culinary boundaries while always staying true to craftsmanship and authenticity. I'm excited for guests to experience these concepts and taste something both familiar and completely new.' Reif hails from Singapore and has made his mark on Dubai's dining scene. Throughout Reif's career, he has garnered numerous awards, including a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand and a spot on the inaugural MENA 50 Best list. His restaurants include Hoe Lee Kow, Reif Kushiyaki and TERO (The Experience by Reif Othman). Later this year, he will team up with 7 Management to open Yubi Handroll Bar on Dubai's first licensed street. SIO and KONA can be found in the space formerly occupied by Arrazuna in The Link and are open daily from 12pm to 11pm. GO: Follow @siobyreif and @konabyreif on Instagram for more information.
ME Construction
21-04-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
2025 Future of Architecture Awards shortlist revealed
Industry News 2025 Future of Architecture Awards shortlist revealed By The full shortlist of companies and winners in each category will be revealed at the gala dinner event on 23 April The editorial team at Middle East Consultant (MEC) has officially announced the shortlist for the 2025 edition of the Future of Architecture Awards (FOA Awards). The industry's most influential figures and projects will be honored at a gala dinner on 23 April at the Habtoor Grand Resort JBR, Dubai. Launched as a natural extension of the successful Future of Architecture Summit, the FOA Awards have quickly established themselves as a platform to spotlight remarkable achievements in architecture, design, engineering, and urban planning. The awards evening will follow the FOA Summit 2025, which is also scheduled for the same day. This year's shortlist reflect the key facets of the Architectural & Design universe, and honour not only the innovators and trendsetters but professionals whose painstaking project delivery is at the core of the industry. The diversity of these categories also implies important industry trends and the changing practices they imply, said Paul Godfrey, Head of Content at Middle East Consultant. After a highly competitive nomination phase, the final selection of shortlisted companies were made following an in-depth review by the Middle East Consultant editorial team. The full list of shortlisted companies and winners will only be revealed on the night of the FOA Awards: Young Architect of the Year Abdallah Ibrahim – Graphite Ayah Ramoun – Arup Gulf Limited Hana Elazab – U+A, part of Egis Group Meera Sivadasan – PNC Architects Mohammed Alshurafa – MEA MIMAR ENGINEERING Simon Amine – KEO International Consultants Civic & Public Sector Project of the Year Cheltenham College Muscat Phase 2 – Graphite Sheikh Abdullatif Al Fozan Grand Mosque – Omrania, part of Egis Group The BAPS Hindu Mandir – RSP Cultural & Heritage Project of the Year The DGCL Royal Polo and Equestrian Club – AtkinsRealis King Salman Park – Omrania, part of Egis Group Residential Project of the Year Skyscape Towers – PNC Architects Karl Lagerfeld Villas – RSP Creek Edge – U+A, part of Egis Group The Sanctuary of Belonging – Vikranth Interior Design LLC Landscape Project of the Year Prince Sultan University Car Parking – Omrania, part of Egis Group Sobha One – PNC Architects Sobha Solis – PNC Architects Urban Planning & Infrastructure Project of the Year The Link, Masdar – EDGE Architects King Salman Park – Omrania, part of Egis Group Sobha Hartland II – PNC Architects GAIA – Valcarce Architects Sustainable Design Champion of the Year The Link, Masdar – EDGE Architects Cheltenham College Muscat Phase 2 – Graphite 'Hydrogen-Powered Resort' – MASK Architects Water Treatment Complex, King Salman Park – Omrania, part of Egis Group Outstanding Achievement of the Year Bassel Omara – Valcarce Architects James Marvin Skaines Jr. – PNC Architects Shiva Vikranth – Vikranth Interior Design LLC Super-Tall Structure of the Year Corinthia Dubai – AtkinsRealis U-View Tower Complex – KEO International Consultants Public Investment Fund Tower – Omrania, part of Egis Group Creek Vistas Heights – PNC Architects Skyscape Towers – PNC Architects Architect of the Year Edward McIntosh – AtkinsRealis Fernando Rio Ponce – KEO International Consultants James Chin – Omrania, part of Egis Group Kevin Offin – Graphite Muhammad Habsah – U+A, part of Egis Group Shiva Vikranth – Vikranth Interior Design LLC The FOA Awards 2025 aim to honour both emerging and established names in the architecture and construction space. Special recognitions are expected to be unveiled at the awards night, promising a memorable evening of celebration, Godfrey stated. The Future of Architecture Summit & Awards are sponsored by: Gold Partner: AtkinsRéalis Strategic Partner: KEO International Consultants Silver Partner: Graphite Supporting Partners: Compass Project Consulting, TBH Consultancy Read more about the FOA Summit & Awards by clicking here.
CBC
17-04-2025
- General
- CBC
Transfer of youth-serving organization The Link to Brokenhead Ojibway Nation marks a 'day of hope'
A century-old Winnipeg-based organization that works with families and youth in crisis is getting a new start and taking another step toward reconciliation. The operation of The Link is being shifted from a not-for-profit organization that relied heavily on government funding to being owned and led by Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. "We are sharing a very important milestone. Today, we gather to announce the repatriation of services to our First Nations people," board chair Candace Olson said at a news conference on Thursday, after which a memorandum of understanding was signed with Brokenhead. The Link, on Mayfair Avenue, provides both short- and long-term support for youth and their families through counselling, crisis intervention, group care, a 24-hour youth shelter, housing support, education and employment assistance. Seventy per cent of the families who access its programs and services are First Nations, "so it's incredibly important that we make these steps forward," said Olson. Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine said the transfer of "a major social service organization" to a First Nation is a first in the province's history. "This isn't just about a transition of responsibility, it's actually a transformation of systems," she said. "This is a day of hope, a day of courage." The organization was established in 1929 as the Sir Hugh John Macdonald Memorial Hostel, named for judge Hugh John Macdonald, son of John A. Macdonald. The latter, Canada's first prime minister, is regarded by many as an architect of the residential school system. The organization's initial mandate was to "provide a Christian home for under-privileged boys living in the wrong environment due to bad home conditions," according to the Manitoba Historical Society. It adopted the Macdonald Youth Services name in 1993 and changed it again to The Link in 2021 in the spirit of reconciliation. It is now Manitoba's largest organization for youth and families in crisis, employing more than 300 people and helping 10,000 families annually. But it has always been done "under a colonial government structure," Olson said. "We're looking forward to taking this journey towards restoring what was taken and supporting Brokenhead Ojibway Nation in re-establishing sovereignty." A transition committee will be assembled soon to facilitate the process and ensure the care people receive is rooted in First Nations culture, values and traditions, she said. That process is expected to take about four months. "It's a return to our original responsibility — caring for our children in a way that reflects who they are, where they come from and what they need to thrive," said Gordon BlueSky, chief of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, which is about 70 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. "For generations, First Nations families have been impacted by systems that weren't designed with us in mind. From residential schools to the Sixties Scoop to modern child welfare, our people have seen too many children separated from their culture and community," he said.
