Sentinel Primary School in Hout Bay has rewarded its learners for their progress in reading, with prizes going to the most improved readers across all grades. The competition, supported by the NGO ABC for Life, comes amid growing concern over literacy in South Africa, where studies show that only around 50% of Grade 4 learners can read for meaning in any language, highlighting the urgent need for early reading interventions.
School principal Deb de Jagger said the competition was designed to support learners at their most crucial stage of literacy development, especially in the foundation phase. “One of the volunteers came to me with this initiative last year, and we were immediately on board because of how this would benefit children in their most crucial phase,” De Jagger said.
Improving Literacy Skills
A lack of exposure to books often limits learners’ English language skills, leading them to rely on slang in both speech and writing. “Children speak what they hear, and when they don’t read, they miss the correctly written and spoken English language,” she said. Many learners in the community grow up with grandparents while parents work long hours, leaving little time to read with children at home, she explained.
The competition encouraged more involvement from both teachers and parents, helping track reading progress and engagement. All grades from 2 to 7 participated, each setting their own criteria, from reading aloud to focusing on English and Afrikaans books. Teachers were able to assess reading proficiency more closely, while parents became actively involved in supporting reading at home.
Benefits of the Competition
Volunteers from ABC for Life also assisted teachers and learners with specialised literacy activities. De Jager said that the excitement among learners was clear at the school assembly, where winners were announced. “We have already seen a lot of changes in the children. They are more confident. Even our Grade R learners are able to read in front of the school. It is amazing to see,” she said.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said it continues to make literacy a priority in the province. “Building strong foundational literacy skills is central to our strategy, and we are supporting schools with additional classroom time, early assessments, and benchmarks to ensure learners are on track,” said a department spokesperson. For more information on literacy initiatives, visit the Department of Education website.
Some of the key benefits of the competition include:
- Improved reading skills and confidence among learners
- Increased involvement from teachers and parents in supporting reading at home
- Access to specialised literacy activities and resources
- Opportunities for learners to practice reading aloud and receive feedback
The competition is a great example of how schools and NGOs can work together to support literacy development and improve educational outcomes. As noted by the International Literacy Association, reading is a fundamental skill that is essential for academic success and lifelong learning.
