NO CHILD wants to attend school – it’s not a fun place.
But it is important for every child to have a full education to prepare them for the future.
And a child who enters the world as a young adult without being able to read and write will struggle in an increasingly computerised world.
Masennya Dikotla, CEO of Molteno Institute for Language and Literacy, said: “If children can’t read, they can’t learn and are doomed to a life of poverty, hopelessness and unemployment.”
Last year, the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study found that eight out of 10 grade 4 pupils do not understand what they read. The study shows how far Mzansi education has fallen.
This is why Molteno has stepped in to fill the gap. Their Breakthrough to Literacy programme not only teaches grades 1 to 3 pupils in English but also in their home languages.
The programme also develops the children’s writing and listening skills.
The programme uses listening and speaking methods to make sure all children understand what they learn.
Dikotla said while a child’s reading skills are essential to their success in school, the programme also improves their communication and language skills.
He added that with schools now closed for the holidays, parents should find time to read to their children more and encourage them to read.
Children should not stop reading because schools are closed. They need to keep enriching their minds with knowledge gained from reading.
He says parents are the most important educators and it is never too early to start reading together.
“The programme provides opportunities to teach individuals, pairs, small groups or even entire classes.”
The literacy programmes are currently available in isiZulu, Sepedi, Xitsonga, Setswana, Sesotho, Tshivenda, Swati, isiXhosa, Ndebele as well as Nama, Kwedam and !Xun.
- Molteno’s literacy programmes are available for schools and individuals. For more information on the business and its programmes, visit www.molteno.co.za
