Low Literacy in South Africa

Why are there poor levels of literacy? Many communities are disadvantaged Many young people are unable to access education Many schools are very poor and have few resources There are few libraries and travel to them is often impossible or too dangerous “The Sobering State of Literacy in South Africa” https://help2read.org/2016/09/13/sobering-state-literacy- south-africa

What are the implications? Reading and writing are fundamental to education: imagine what your life would be like if you couldn’t read or write! If young people are uneducated then they will have difficulty in breaking away from the lives that they have been born into. Garden Village Primary: “The impact and value of a functional library in a school is significant in the lives of school children in South Africa”

Garden Village Primary

About Garden Village... Situated in Cape Town, South Africa 611 students Age range 6-14 Over 11 official spoken languages Study two languages: Afrikaans and English The area is gradually growing up but there are many problems with unemployment, substance abuse and domestic violence The living spaces are crowded – most homes area two or three roomed dwellings Garden Village Primary: “The school is a beacon of hope and, through education, assists in alleviating or eradicating some of the issues.”

What are they doing to improve literacy levels? Prioritising literacy Taking part in national literacy competitions (they came fourth in the most recent one!) Using reading supplements (see the attached document) Developing a school library

How can we help? Although the school has plenty of donations of books, they need a computer system that will allow them to keep track of them, sign-them in and out etc. This will cost 10 000 South African Rand which, to us, is only £600 So far we have raised over £250 Another £350 is needed to enable them to have their library

Fundraising: T3, Lunchtime, Wednesday 21st November Range of stalls, including: -Bake sale -Bring and buy sale (please bring any donations to the English office) -Raffle -Guess the sweets in the jar -Guess the Teddy’s name

How else can you help? Members of the International Relations Club will be coming around tutor groups asking for donations on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd November. The tutor group that makes the largest donation will win some chocolate. If you would like to undertake a sponsored event of your choice to help you to raise money, please collect a sponsor sheet from Miss Stamp in the English Office.

Please make a difference It will only take 50p from each of you to make this library a reality.