Changing the world one word at a time

TODAY, 8 September, is International Literacy Day which aims to raise awareness and concern about literacy issues that exist both locally and globally.

READ Educational Trust, a non-profit organisation, has been working hard in the education and literacy sectors since 1979, implementing teacher training and literacy initiatives in schools, and encourages a culture of reading.

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If you can read this right now, you are more blessed than almost 800 million adults and over 250 million children worldwide who lack basic literacy skills.

Yes, it’s true: Even in this age of modern living, enlightenment, and technology, there are still people who can’t read, write, and learn.

In South Africa, the statistics are bleak, and according to nationally representative surveys, the adult illiteracy rate is at a staggering 12%.

More than half (58%) of South African children do not learn to read fluently and with comprehension in any language by the end of Grade 4.

Literacy is a fundamental pillar of broader education. When we have the confidence to read, we have the confidence to learn, both in and out of the classroom.

Sadly, children and teens who have difficulty reading are more likely to drop out of school before completing their basic education. This creates a negative and profound ripple effect.

No matter how ambitious one’s goals and efforts are, a lack of basic literacy and numeracy abilities automatically disqualifies many people from a wide range of quality jobs, contributing to poverty and unemployment.

READ, which is supported by people and the corporate sector, has made fantastic progress despite the enormity of the task at hand.

Visit the website : https://www.read.org.za/ or join the conversations and their social media pages to find out more.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/READEduTrust/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/READEduTrust
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/read_educational_trust/