Low Literacy in South Africa Why are there

Low Literacy in South Africa

Why are there poor levels of literacy? �Many communities are disadvantaged �Many young people are unable to access education �Many schools are very poor and have few resources �There are few libraries and travel to them is often impossible or too dangerous “The Sobering State of Literacy in South Africa” https: //help 2 read. org/2016/09/13/sobering-stateliteracy-south-africa

What are the implications? �Reading and writing are fundamental to education: imagine what your life would be like if you couldn’t read or write! �If young people are uneducated then they will have difficulty in breaking away from the lives that they have been born into. �Garden Village Primary: “The impact and value of a functional library in a school is significant in the lives of school children in South Africa”

Garden Village Primary

About Garden Village. . . � Situated in Cape Town, South Africa � 611 students � Age range 6 -14 � Over 11 official spoken languages � Study two languages: Afrikaans and English � The area is gradually growing up but there are many problems with unemployment, substance abuse and domestic violence � The living spaces are crowded – most homes area two or three roomed dwellings � Garden Village Primary: “The school is a beacon of hope and, through education, assists in alleviating or eradicating some of the issues. ”

What are they doing to improve literacy levels? �Prioritising literacy �Taking part in national literacy competitions (they came fourth in the most recent one!) �Using reading supplements (see the attached document) �Developing a school library

How can we help? �Although the school has plenty of donations of books, they need a computer system that will allow them to keep track of them, sign-them in and out etc. �This will cost 10 000 South African Rand which, to us, is only £ 600 �So far we have raised over £ 250 �Another £ 350 is needed to enable them to have their library

Fundraising: T 3, Lunchtime, Wednesday 21 st November �Range of stalls, including: -Bake sale -Bring and buy sale (please bring any donations to the English office) -Raffle -Guess the sweets in the jar -Guess the Teddy’s name

How else can you help? �Members of the International Relations Club will be coming around tutor groups asking for donations on Thursday 22 nd and Friday 23 rd November. �The tutor group that makes the largest donation will win some chocolate. �If you would like to undertake a sponsored event of your choice to help you to raise money, please collect a sponsor sheet from Miss Stamp in the English Office.

Please make a difference It will only take 50 p from each of you to make this library a reality.