SOS Africa Children’s Charity is making a significant impact on the lives of young South African learners. By implementing the Wordworks Reading Programme, they are helping children who struggle with reading and writing to overcome these challenges.
Somerset West, South Africa (11 December 2024) – Many South African children simply don’t know how to read properly. We hear about it all too often. Some even leave the first grade without knowing the alphabet. Yet still, they continue to progress through the public schooling system, struggling to grasp learning material or operating in ‘catch-up mode’, barely reaching the passing mark, and lacking confidence in their abilities.
It is an all too familiar tale in South African government schools that children without the ability to read or write sit at the back of their classes, feeling utterly disconnected from the learning experience.
Stepping in to help curb this continuous cycle, SOS Africa Children’s Charity is ensuring that vital support services are provided to the schools which are overlooked by province-wide reading strategies.
Since 2017, SOS Africa’s Western Cape Education Centres have facilitated the Wordworks Reading Programme each morning to children in ‘literacy catch-up mode.’
Working in partnership with Grade 1-3 teachers from government schools, experienced SOS Africa staff can identify the students most in need of this essential reading and writing support before their educational progress is severely impacted.
The programme focuses on small group workshops led by experienced educators to address the specific needs of each child. By building confidence and fostering a love for learning, SOS Africa is not only improving literacy skills but also empowering young minds.
SOS Africa’s Eden MacDonald has over five years of experience in facilitating the Wordworks Reading Programme at partner school Somerset West Methodist Primary shared that there were more than 100 students enrolled in the reading programme this year, most of whom could not comprehend how letters were formed or sounded.
“The majority of whom could not identify letters or sounds. Many of these children were afraid to come to school, embarrassed that they could not participate in class.
“By the end of this year, over 50% of these children will have graduated from the programme, now able to read, with confidence fully restored,” said Eden who stressed the importance of not rushing the learning process.
The programme stands as a true beacon of hope for young minds and tomorrow’s leaders. Eden and her colleagues have guided over 700 students to graduation at the primary school. These vital programmes also provide much-needed respite for overwhelmed teachers:
“As a teacher, I can see the difference in the confidence of my learners, their reading speed, comprehension and enjoyment of reading. Learners aren’t scared to read anymore, it’s wonderful to witness,” commented Ms E Jansen, HOD, Methodist Primary.
Two other grateful teachers, Mrs Dwaru and Mrs Fannie, added:
“SOS Africa are miracle workers! My students have gained a love for reading and writing and are no longer shy to grab books and read independently. This has also impacted their self-esteem and behaviour; we can really see the difference in their body language and participation in class. Thank you, SOS!”
Sources: SOS Africa Children’s Charity
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