New school library project tackles SA’s literacy crisis
Through this initiate libraries will be built or refurbished in several underserved schools across the Western Cape.
Actress Nomzamo Mbatha reading with kids. Photo: Simangele Legodi
A new initiative, launched at a Cape Town primary school, is proving just how transformative books and safe reading spaces can be for young learners who’ve long been left behind.
According to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), which was released in 2023 by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), 78% of South African public schools still lack libraries and at least 81% of fourth graders are unable to read for meaning.
The Beyond Words Library and Literacy Project aims to change this and rewrite the future for these little ones.
The project was officially launched at John Pama Primary School in Nyanga in partnership with actress and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha, the Cotton On Foundation and Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation.
Through this initiate, two libraries will build or refurbished in several underserved schools across the Western Cape.
For a school like John Pama Primary School, this means an opportunity to expose learners to the world of reading and computer literacy which will help equip them for the future.
The school has 800 students across grades R – 7, with the majority of the children coming from previously disadvantaged areas such as Crossroads and Philippi.
In a video message, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, who was unable to attend the opening, discussed the strategic benefit of emphasizing the value of libraries as local resources in addition to the significance of books.
"Having the early child development function move from social development to the Department of Basic Education is so important, because now we start looking at a child's holistic development. We want to introduce books and reading much earlier on in life so that we can truly improve children's ability to read and read for meaning. But not only just for literacy purposes, but for children to be able to read and read for pleasure too. Because we know how important this is for their cognitive development," said Gwarube.
She added "We need key partnerships like yourselves, and organizations like yourselves who take this really country duty to heart and make sure that we reach all children in South Africa and be able to afford them the pleasure really of being able to read and read for meaning".
Speaking to Eyewitness News at the event, Nomzamo Mbatha said literacy was key to freedom and a fulfilled life.
"It serves as a route to empowerment and opportunity. This initiative provides students with the means to comprehend, envision and develop in addition to books," said Mbatha.
Gugu Sidaki, a financial advisor, explained the value of financial literacy, a set of skills that kids need to acquire to handle money.
"Research suggests that financial habits are set by the time we're 7 years old. That means financial education, financial conversations and the modelling of good financial habits must happen a few years prior to that. This is the role of parents and guardians but a tough job when they themselves struggle with their own lack of financial knowledge and poor financial habits," said Sidaki.
She added "It is therefore crucial for all of us to work towards improving our financial habits and knowledge in order to influence a generation of financial astute adults of the future".
