Afrika Tikkun Bambanani has noted that by the time children are 6 years old, they should have been exposed to at least 10 000 books to build a strong foundation for their literacy skills.
In celebration of National Book Week, which commenced on September 5 and continues until September 11, the organisation piloted an early childhood literacy curriculum across 300 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in South Africa, where a startling 81% of Grade 4 learners lack literacy skills.
The internationally accredited curriculum offers pre-reading skills for learners at ECD level to cultivate their reading and writing, and social and cognitive skills for effective readiness in time for formal schooling.
So far, the learning programme has benefited more than 30 000 children and boasts a 99.8% school readiness success rate.
“This curriculum is designed to give young children a solid grounding in pre-reading skills, laying the foundation for excellent reading abilities in the future. At the heart of this success is a commitment to ensure that every child is equipped with the necessary skills to excel in reading, a critical gateway to learning in every subject. By focusing on pre-reading skills at an early age, it sets children up for success long before they even enter the school system,” said the organisation.
Many South African learners cannot afford the luxury of a book, and to this end, Afrika Tikkun has launched a project that will include libraries at its outreach centres.
According to the organisation, the libraries will render universal access to books, especially for underprivileged children, which will not only expose them to literacy skills, but also expand their imagination to a world of stories and knowledge.
“The libraries ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop a love for reading from an early age. With the inclusion of these libraries, children in these centres will no longer be left behind. Instead, they will be given the right to the same educational opportunities as their more privileged peers. This World Literacy Day, let us reflect on the importance of reading, not just as a skill but as a right,” said Afrika Tikkun.
Meanwhile, learners at Perivale Primary School in Lotus River, Cape Town, celebrated World Literacy Day on Friday.
World Literacy Day is commemorated annually on September 8.
The school partnered with various stakeholders such as Coronation, Living Through Learning, and food security NGO Ladles of Love, to raise awareness about food insecurity, which eventually impacts children’s learning abilities.
According to Oxfam, 18.6 million children are stunted due to malnutrition, affecting their ability to concentrate and learn in class.
Coronation CEO Anton Pillay said that foundation phase literacy is a national crisis and therefore “we made it our mission to act. That is why we are invested in a long-term partnership with our foundation phase literacy promotion partner, Living Through Learning, and why we are here at Perivale Primary today with our CSI partners, for a very special celebration of International Literacy Day”.
In Khayelitsha, Cape Town, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube held a reading session for children at the Inkwenkwezi Educare Centre for National Book Week.
Gwarube urged the public to participate in the social cause by donating books.
“I encourage you to get involved this National Book Week. Read to a child, donate some books, or visit your local library. Let us do our bit to ensure that every child gets the experience of the joy of reading,” said Gwarube.
The Star