WordWorks, a leading literacy organisation, hosted a vibrant literacy festival at Siyafuneka Primary School in Zwelethemba on 21 October. The event aimed to inspire parents to participate actively in their children’s literacy journey.
Diana Niemand, Foundation Phase Coordinator at WCED, shared words of encouragement, emphasising the significance of “Learning through play and language development”. She highlighted the unique and varied path of parenthood, underlining the central role that play holds in the learning process.
Babalwayashe Molate, associate lecturer at the University of the Western Cape, delivered the keynote address. She emphasised learning begins early, from conception and birth. She highlighted the bilingual nature of our interactions and stressed that everyone contributes to a child’s language and literacy development. She urged those present to recognise their pivotal role in this process. Nolubabalo Dibashe, a parent, shared how the TIME Program positively impacted her. “It not only strengthened my bond with my child, but also led to a notable improvement in my son’s academic performance,” she said.
Hannelie Botwe, WCED subject adviser, closed the programme with heartfelt remarks. She expressed her satisfaction with the initiative, likening education to a three-legged pot, comprising the child, parent and teacher. Botwe stressed the importance of this partnership, acknowledging the challenge of involving parents in their children’s lives. She commended the parents for their courage and encouraged them to persevere in this positive direction.
The festival provided an inclusive platform for parents, educators and community members to come together and foster a collaborative learning environment for the children of Zwelethemba. The event showcased the transformative impact of active parental involvement in literacy development.
