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STAFF REPORTER
Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, delivered a keynote address during the announcement of the 2023 AVBOB Road to Literacy Awards beneficiaries under the theme: “The Importance of Reading in your Mother Tongue”.
“I am particularly delighted that this year’s campaign specialises reading resources in the mother tongue languages. Extensive research has shown that teaching in a child’s mother tongue language reduces dropout rates and makes education more accessible and engaging. Moreover, we recognise the critical importance of developing numeracy skills during a child’s formative years. Through this campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing a love of reading among primary school learners throughout our nation,” the Minister said.
“Children must learn to read in their mother tongue, as this facilitates a seamless connection between the words they read, hear and speak.”
She welcomed the announcement that Oxford University Press Southern Africa, the nation’s leading literacy publisher, has generously donated 130,000 books in all 11 official languages for this campaign.
Their commitment to fostering literacy and supporting our children’s education is commendable. In 2022, partners led by AVBOB distributed 180 trolley libraries to deserving recipients; this year, the number has increased to 260.
“The trolley libraries, manufactured by AVBOB Industries in Bloemfontein, are sturdy structures fitted with wheels to store the books securely. Each trolley library contains 500 books, an increase from the previous year’s 430 books. The value of each AVBOB Road to Literacy trolley library amounts to R50,000, totalling an investment of R13 million for the 2023 campaign, an increase from R10 million in 2022,” she added.
“Together, let us ignite a love for reading, strengthen numeracy skills, and empower our children to reach new heights of knowledge and achievement. Let us rally behind literacy and numeracy, knowing that investing in education is investing in our nation’s future,” said Motshekga.
In collaboration with Oxford University Press (OUP) Southern Africa, AVBOB announced the deserving recipients of the 260 trolley libraries equipped with books representing all 11 official South African languages, numeracy resources, and other learning materials on the evening.
Carl van der Riet, AVBOB CEO and Ms Hanri Pieterse, Managing Director of Oxford University Press SA, explained that the AVBOB Road to Literacy Trolley Library campaign is a tripartite partnership with Oxford University Press and Government.
The campaign is a crucial step in the journey to instil a culture of reading and enhance the numeracy skills of primary school children across South Africa.
In addition, the initiative aims to support deserving primary schools and non-profit organisations to improve reading for meaning initiatives.
INSIDE EDUCATION
