As a literacy activist who runs after school literacy programs in 4 schools around the township of Soweto, I often encounter the trauma and angst children suffer from a lack of literacy experience. It is devastating as these children suffer in silence, think they are dumb and need to overcome embarrassment, shame, and anger. One of my learners, Themba* in grade 5 who used to read at a grade 3 level, was bullied regularly at school, he cried every day and he failed tests because he struggled with reading and writing. His poor grades and frustration lead to emotional distress and chaos.

In South Africa, the majority of individuals who struggle with literacy are more likely to be poor, illiterate, and miss out on opportunities to fully participate in society and the workforce. As a consequence, many people lack the skills necessary to contribute to economic growth and societal development.

For Themba, taking extra literacy lessons several days a week, although overwhelming in the beginning, was life changing. Within weeks he was more focused and was reading at a grade 6 level. The chaos disappeared as he was able to read, write and participate successfully in his grade level work. This built his confidence and he felt competent that he is able to thrive.

I am Nompumelelo Moshoeshoe, a Nguvu Collective Changeleader and education activist who is currently running after school literacy lessons for under-resourced schools in my township. But that is not enough, I urge you to sign this petition to put pressure on the Gauteng Department of Education to provide extra literacy lessons in 100 government schools around Gauteng.

Literacy is a fundamental human right that enables individuals to participate fully in society and lead fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, South Africa has been experiencing a decline in its literacy rates over the past few years. According to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) report, South African grade four learners ranked last out of 57 countries surveyed regarding reading comprehension skills.

This worrying trend needs urgent attention as literacy is the cornerstone of personal empowerment, with economic growth and social development implications. Literacy equips individuals to express themselves effectively, understand information, and engage in meaningful conversations. The ability to read, write, comprehend, and articulate thoughts are requisite skills to acquire knowledge.

Providing literacy lessons equips children with skills to move out of poverty and find better-paying jobs and opportunities to support their families. Higher literacy rates are associated with healthier populations, less crime, greater economic growth, and higher employment rates. I urge you to support me in calling on MEC Matome Chiloane to provide extra literacy lessons in 100 under-resourced government schools around Gauteng.

If enough of us come together we can convince the MEC to put literacy at the top of his agenda for education in the province. Community led initiatives like the one I run are not enough to get the job done, we need government support.

“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope” – Kofi Annan.