2 days ago
‘Focus on foundational learning or fail another generation'
A growing number of children across SA are struggling with reading and comprehension — a crisis that literacy organisations say stems from a lack of foundational learning in the early years.
Two literacy-focused nonprofits whose representatives spoke to Sowetan have stepped in to address the crisis, reaching more than 500 classrooms in Gauteng and other parts of the country where pupils are in urgent need of support.
Read to Rise executive director Taryn Lock said its work at primary schools, particularly in Soweto, had highlighted significant reading challenges.
'Children aren't excited about reading. They don't own books at home and there's a lack of good, affordable and relatable books.
'Most of the schools we work in don't have libraries or any structured reading programmes,' Lock said.
Read to Rise operates in schools such as Sedibathuto, Khuthala, Diodi, Lekang, Vukani, Moriting, Hlabangane, Makhoane, Nka-thuto, Rebone and Livhuwani.
Since 2016, it has run more than 1,015 class programmes and distributed at least 57,000 new storybooks to children in Soweto.
'We focus on schools in high-need areas, and 70% of teachers have reported a significant increase in learners' interest in reading after our visits,' Lock said.
