Experts however believe this situation can be remedied through programmes run in schools - often independently. One such organisation is help2read, a non-profit child literacy programme aimed at equipping children with the life-long skill of reading, by motivating literate adults to pass on their skills to the younger generation.
Chief executive of help2read, Robert Michel says more than four million South Africans cannot read and research suggest that 70% of pupils aged 11 are illiterate, leaving them with an uncertain future. “With large classes with sometimes up to 50 children, teachers do not have the time or resources to dedicate individual support to young children. Without the ability to read and no confidence to participate in class, children are left behind and are much more likely to drop out of school with very little future prospects, given our country’s high unemployment rate.”
He says for this reason help2read is urging South Africans to make a difference and help solve the literacy crisis by giving the gift of reading this Christmas, and sponsoring a child at R 100 per month. The organisation is currently active in more than 100 primary schools in Cape Town and Gauteng which is run by about 700 volunteers helping more than 1500 children improve their lives.
Michel continues: “Giving a child the gift of reading is priceless. Reading is a life-long skill, and there are many benefits to it which includes better communication, knowledge you otherwise would not have had and my favourite - escapism. Reading gives you the ability to imagine and transport yourself to another world, no matter what is happening in the world where you find yourself. Instead of buying those expensive gifts that will be outgrown or only played with for a few months, change someone’s life this Christmas.”
For more information on help2read, sponsoring a child or offering ones services as a volunteer visit
www.help2read.org or 'Like' the
Facebook page or follow
@help2read on
Twitter.