National Book Week: Teach children how to read
Mr Price Foundation encourages parents to give their children a headstart in literacy activities.
CELEBRATE National Book Week with Mr Price Foundation by sponsoring new children’s books – and empower young children by teaching them how to read.
September is regarded as literacy month, with National Book Week in the first week of September and International Literacy Day on September 8.
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Literacy is a critical issue in South Africa, with 81% of Grade Four learners unable to read for meaning – and 92% affected by shortages of reading resources. In 2021, more than 17 000 out of 23 000 schools had no library.
“Our children deserve so much better. Literacy is a human right and the foundation of all learning. Being literate is the key to a successful future. It opens the world of knowledge, sparks creativity and unlocks dignity and opportunity for children,” said Karen Wells, head of Mr Price Foundation.
“Our goal is to equip schools with a set of 500 books for Foundation Phase learners, ranging from first-time readers to fluent readers,” she said.
Each set costs R22 000 – so the more you give, the more schools they can support.
“A donation of as little as R30 can help fund a book – and set up a learner for life. There are easy ways for parents to help ensure children enter primary school with the necessary literacy foundations in place – and to give them a good start on their lifelong learning journeys,” said Wells.
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Pain Mashingaidze, head of Mr Price Foundation’s EduRise programme, said, “Parents play a critical role in a child’s education, and that starts well before children enrol for formal education.
“We, therefore, encourage parents to give their children a headstart in this journey by, at a very young age, frequently engaging with their children in the nine early literacy activities. These are: reading books, telling stories, talking with children, singing songs, playing with alphabet toys, talking about things children have done, playing word games, writing and reading aloud,” said Mashingaidze.
To donate a book, visit https://mrprice foundation.org/donate/.
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