A literacy support group, Living Through Learning (LTL), is hoping to inspire the youth of Lavender Hill when it visits Hillwood Primary School to celebrate International Literacy Day on Tuesday, 8 September.

The event will be hosted by LTL, who will be hosting African Story Time at the school, in the hopes of helping children develop stronger reading, language and learning skills, according to LTL spokesperson, Natalie Maliqua.

International Literacy Day is an annual global observance held to highlight the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights.

LTL is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) that focuses on improving foundation phase literacy among young learners in the country.

Founded originally in 1990 (and operating independently as LTL since 2010), the organisation focuses heavily on supporting disadvantaged schools and educators in the Western Cape region.

It is currently working in 10 schools across the Cape region, supporting approximately 400 Foundation Phase and Grade R learners and training more than 40 teachers annually.

The organisation uses creative, interactive educational programmes to make literacy exciting, meaningful and memorable, particularly for learners who need additional support.

Over 80% of South African Grade 4 learners cannot read with understanding, according to LTL.

Maliqua said they chose Lavender Hill for this event because: “children who enjoyed reading are more likely to read voluntarily, and the more they read, the stronger their literacy skills become. In communities where children may have fewer books, resources or opportunities. Creating positive and exciting experiences around reading is particularly important. Literacy gives children greater confidence and expands their future possibilities.”

This year’s celebration will feature ‘African Story Time’, an interactive literacy experience combining storytelling, puppetry, learner participation, character performances and dance.

The production follows Una Mzansi on an African bush adventure, using storytelling to encourage learners to engage with reading while exploring themes of knowledge, imagination and learning. Foundation Phase learners will take part in performances and interactive activities, highlighting the importance of literacy and the impact of creative learning experiences within communities.

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