A total of 81% of Gr. 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning.
This was revealed by the recent Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (Pirls) results in which 1 127 877 Gr. 4 learners were assessed in 2021.
“It is time we learn from countries that have rapidly transformed their reading culture and who are above the international benchmark, who managed to instil a vibrant reading culture nationwide,” said Nqabakazi Gina, director of the national reading for enjoyment campaign Nal’ibali.
In these countries, reading was adopted as a social practice. It is practised daily and driven by all parties concerned.
Nal’ibali is keen to accelerate reading development among South African children, and gives the following suggestions:
- Every parent should play their role in the reading ecosystem by creating reading opportunities within their homes.
- Read stories aloud with children, and schedule regular daily reading and storytelling sessions.
- Increase opportunities for children to engage with text, be familiar with more words, and develop the ability to build meaning on words received every day.
- Every programme for children should incorporate reading as core.
- Those with access to printed and digital reading materials should make a conscious effort to download digital stories or storybooks weekly and find free printed storybooks (or contact Nal’ibali, Wordworks, Bookdash, the Bookery, SAIDE, Room to Read, or the Mikhulu Trust).
- Children should be afforded reading opportunities at least 15 minutes a day at home, school and in community settings.
Nal’ibali encourages schools and educators to embed reading for enjoyment into their curriculum, and highlights the importance of the role parents and caregivers play to create a reading culture.
- Start today. Read the Nal’ibali story on this page to your family or school friends. Visit nalibali.org and find out how stories can happen anytime, anywhere, and how to get involved.
