Masicorp is making a marvellous difference when it comes to literacy in Masiphumelele Township! From resources that have increased learner’s marks by up to 40% to fostering a love of reading, here’s a snippet of the work they are doing!
Masiphumelele Township, South Africa (29 September 2024) — September marked National Literacy Month in South Africa, a time to reflect on the critical role literacy plays in shaping not just a future generation of readers but leaders.
It is well recorded that the state of literacy in South Africa leaves much to be desired. From a striking amount of Grade 4s who cannot read for meaning to our disappointing literacy rates year-on-year, the finger is often pointed at our under-resourced educational institutions. But instead of simply wagging our fingers, we should also cup our hands in applause for the many organisations who are bridging literacy gaps, one opportunity at a time.
Masicorp is one of the development charities in South Africa, making sure young South Africans get to spark their literacy lightbulbs sooner rather than later.
Focused on the people of Masiphumelele township in the Western Cape, their focus on education is paramount to the road out of poverty.
This National Literacy Month, Masicorp got stuck in upping the ante of the literacy programmes they already have in their empowerment toolkits.
Here are some of their Success Stories!
English Hub at Ukhanyo Primary School
Masicorp’s English Hub has focused on helping Grade 3s develop their reading and writing skills. This past term, they wanted to build learners’ confidence in their writing abilities: a task well received.
“One of the most rewarding moments this year has been witnessing students who previously struggled with writing, begin to enjoy the process,” the team share. “Even those who found it difficult are now showing excitement and commitment when building their sentences.
Masifunde Programme
Also at Ukhanyo Primary, the Masifunde Programme has also helped nurture another important asset in literacy: a love for reading! Focused on the Grade 5s, the focus has been on encourage children to engage with stories with ‘The Land of the Dinosaurs’ sparking a particularly lively conversation amongst learners.
English Please at Sun Valley Primary
The English Please Programme runs at different schools, including Sun Valley, Simons Town and Fish Hoek Primary. However, it was at Sun Valley that there was a big moment of success: A group of Grade 3 learners who improved their English marks by 20% in 6 months!
Beyond the classroom-based programmes, Masicorp also runs Tuesdays with Books at the Masi Library to connect with reading in a less pressured space.
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