The low literacy levels in the foundation phase of primary schools remains a great concern. Latest studies show that 78% of Grade 4’s cannot read with meaning.
A new project by celebrities and the private sector hopes to change this state of affairs by encouraging more children to read, and making books accessible.
Pupils at Kama Primary School in New Brighton, Eastern Cape received the gift of books. The initiative provided the school with a small mobile library.
The school had no library at all.
Asimahle Javu who’s in Grade 7 at Kama wants to become a doctor.
“We want to become doctors and lawyers, but first we must know how to read books and understand story lines. So, this is good for our school, ” she said.
Stakeholders have a similar vision:
“Literacy levels in South Africa are very low. We have to identify schools that need these resources, and learners were pleased with what they saw. We have to plough back to township schools and improve standards of education, and perhaps monitor their academics as well,” said Braam Kayser of Novus Holding.
“The project will be sustainable. There is no other way to encourage learners to read. I was given opportunities and they deserve the same opportunities. This will definitely improve standards of education at the school, and teachers’ work will be made easier,” said TV personality, Maps Maponyane.
The mobile library project will be rolled out to other schools throughout the country in need of libraries.
![[File photo] Library seen in the image above.](https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bellville-Library-@Bellvillelibrary-120x86.jpg)
