Give pupils chance to start new chapter

THE FOUNDER of Hands of Love, Catherine Versfeld, is concerned about the number of children in South Africa who are illiterate – almost 30%.

“According to a recent Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, eight out of 10 Grade 4 pupils were unable to read for comprehension.

“The study also found that more than half of South Africa’s primary schools lack books, libraries and reading infrastructure,” she said.

“These stats are very concerning for us. In order for children to progress they need to be able to read. Without it, they will not be able to study further and this will affect employment in the future too.

“Literacy rates are closely correlated with economic growth. In the current system, only 36% of the country’s Grade 4 pupils will be able to read for meaning by 2031,” said Versfeld.

“Reading not only helps develop a child’s imagination but is also the foundation of all future learning. Children who struggle to read by the age of 13 are highly likely to drop out of school, which has catastrophic implications for their prospects and our country’s future.”

To alleviate the plight of children who don’t have access to books, Hands of Love is running its annual book donation drive #Read2Succeed with the aim of collecting new and second-hand children’s books for pupils in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The charity is asking the public to help raise awareness around the book donation drive through social media.

“We are appealing to the public to donate new or used books. We are trying to make this as easy as possible for people to give and feel like they are a part of the solution.

“We need to get the word out there. We will be using the books to help build up libraries or reading centres in under-resourced communities,” she said.

Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the department regularly promoted reading.

“All pupils are encouraged to read every day to gain knowledge, improve their memory and focus, build their vocabulary, improve their writing skills, enhance imagination and to help them relax. Reading is fun, interesting and is a skill that is fundamental to all future opportunities.

“We are appreciative of any support to promote reading and encourage pupils to love books. We thank organisations like Hands of Love that assist in getting books into the hands of pupils and making our home and school environments text rich,” she said.

For more information on Hands of Love and the book donation drive, email catherine@handsoflove.org.za.

| SUPPLIED HANDS of Love is appealing to the public to raise awareness around its book donation drive through social media.