Based in Grahamstown, Cathy Gush heads up a comprehensive literacy outreach programme, the Lebone Literacy Programme, which amongst other things includes Nal’bali Reading Clubs. Prior to that, for four years between 2006 and 2010, Cathy was the director of Rhodes University’s self-funded institute, the Centre for Social Development (CSD). The CSD facilitates the development of early childhood communities and imparts skills to practitioners to strengthen community owned initiatives.
Cathy has over 30 years of experience in the NGO and education field. She studied at Stellenbosch University, where she obtained an Honours degree in Sociology. She also has a Diploma in Adult Education and is currently working on her Masters in Journalism and Media Studies, focusing on the communication of home literacy practices. Her literacy promotion efforts include being chairperson of the Eastern Cape branch of the Reading Assoc of South Africa (RASA) and the Makana Friends of the Library civil society organization. Cathy believes that books and stories have the power to change lives, and is passionate about getting children to read for pleasure.