South Africa is grappling with a severe literacy crisis. A recent report indicate that in 2021, 81% of Grade 4 learners could not read for meaning in any language. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and collaborative efforts to equip all children with the foundational literacy skills essential for academic achievement and lifelong success.
The Centre for African Language Teaching (CALT) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) is delighted to announce the upcoming Reading Indaba, a pivotal event addressing South Africa's ongoing literacy crisis.
The indaba will be held on 14 June 2024 at UWC's new Faculty of Education building and seeks to foster collaboration among key stakeholders to develop actionable strategies to improve literacy rates in the country.
A significant focus of the indaba will be on revitalising indigenous languages, particularly isiXhosa, in the educational sphere. The inclusion and development of marginalised languages are essential for equitable and inclusive education in South Africa.
Emphasising mother tongue instruction aligns with international Education for All Goals, supporting successful learning outcomes and cognitive development.
Research consistently demonstrates the benefits of mother tongue instruction. Children who begin their education in their native language are more likely to develop strong cognitive and linguistic foundations, facilitating smoother transitions to learning in additional languages. Continued development of the first language throughout secondary education promotes true bilingualism or multilingualism.
Institutions of higher learning play a crucial role in promoting these educational practices. The Reading Indaba provides educators, academics, and policymakers a platform to share best practices and develop future strategies.
This is particularly pertinent following the recent policy shift by the Minister of Education to extend mother tongue-based education up to Grade 4, which requires comprehensive training for teacher educators.
The economic ramifications of illiteracy are significant. Due to the large number of individuals struggling with basic reading skills, illiteracy costs South Africa's economy an estimated R119 billion annually. Addressing literacy challenges is not only an educational imperative but also an economic necessity.
For media inquiries, please contact Dr Kosi tkosi@uwc.ac.za /0676261717 or Ms Nondabula Nikiwe nnondabula@uwc.ac.za
The Centre for African Language Teaching (CALT) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) is delighted to announce the upcoming Reading Indaba, a pivotal event addressing South Africa's ongoing literacy crisis.
The indaba will be held on 14 June 2024 at UWC's new Faculty of Education building and seeks to foster collaboration among key stakeholders to develop actionable strategies to improve literacy rates in the country.
A significant focus of the indaba will be on revitalising indigenous languages, particularly isiXhosa, in the educational sphere. The inclusion and development of marginalised languages are essential for equitable and inclusive education in South Africa.
Emphasising mother tongue instruction aligns with international Education for All Goals, supporting successful learning outcomes and cognitive development.
Research consistently demonstrates the benefits of mother tongue instruction. Children who begin their education in their native language are more likely to develop strong cognitive and linguistic foundations, facilitating smoother transitions to learning in additional languages. Continued development of the first language throughout secondary education promotes true bilingualism or multilingualism.
Institutions of higher learning play a crucial role in promoting these educational practices. The Reading Indaba provides educators, academics, and policymakers a platform to share best practices and develop future strategies.
This is particularly pertinent following the recent policy shift by the Minister of Education to extend mother tongue-based education up to Grade 4, which requires comprehensive training for teacher educators.
The economic ramifications of illiteracy are significant. Due to the large number of individuals struggling with basic reading skills, illiteracy costs South Africa's economy an estimated R119 billion annually. Addressing literacy challenges is not only an educational imperative but also an economic necessity.
For media inquiries, please contact Dr Kosi tkosi@uwc.ac.za /0676261717 or Ms Nondabula Nikiwe nnondabula@uwc.ac.za
