Reading programmes are essential

IN APRIL, we celebrated World Book Day. Congratulations to the teachers of Falcon Primary School in Chatsworth, who are on a mission to get learners to read.

In spite of teachers reaching a breaking point, which has left many of them exhausted and close to burnout, I am sensing a breath of fresh air among pupils as the culture of reading is long overdue.

Reading programmes are essential in improving and developing skills in literacy from early on. The future of society is dependent on the capabilities that we, as adults, inject into our future learners. Let us reinforce a culture of learning and reading that will support a better tomorrow.

Not enough is done by the Department of Education to ensure the promotion of reading. The department should use retired educationists like Kamal Panday, T Markandan, Thayalan Reddy and TH Kassie to implement a reading programme for all schools in KwaZulu-Natal.

To the staff of Falcon Primary, thank you. Take a bow for creating awareness in regard to weekly reading in each class. Hopefully, reading will become a powerful tool in all schools. The saying, “Show me a child with a book in their hands and I will show you a future leader”, is so true.

DHAYALAN MOODLEY

Mobeni Heights