Literacy and education are critical to a child’s well-being. The more a child reads and writes, the more productive they will be.
This was the message during a workshop held at the Kagiso Full Gospel Church along with the Mzansi Literacy and Education Center on May 11. The aim was to inform and help parents and children with their literacy programme.
The centre is part of a community outreach project by the Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM). This non-denominational global ministry focuses on reaching people worldwide with the message of God’s Love through a devotional booklet in over 55 languages. With 37 offices worldwide, including four in Africa, they have recently launched a literacy programme in several African countries.
ODBM developed its year-long Unique Reading System (YOURS). This programme was initially tested in an English-speaking context in Nigeria and Tanzania with educational partnerships, teaching a range of learners how to use the programme and measuring their growth in literacy comprehension. The literacy programme is available in several countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria and Tanzania. Its founders are pastor Abner Malefane and his wife Violet Malefane.
According to Abner, literacy is of great importance as it will enable young people in many disadvantaged communities to be prepared for adulthood.
“In many disadvantaged communities, literacy catalyses progress on multiple fronts. Firstly, it empowers individuals by granting them access to information and knowledge. This access enables people to make informed decisions about their health, finances, and overall well-being. Literacy also plays a pivotal role in education, serving as the bedrock upon which other learning is built.
“A literate population is better equipped to pursue further education and training, thus enhancing their employability and contributing to economic growth. Moreover, literacy fosters civic engagement and democratic participation. Informed citizens are more likely to participate in community development initiatives, advocate for their rights, and hold governments accountable.”
He added that literacy promotes social cohesion by facilitating communication and understanding among community members.
“Economically, literacy is linked to poverty reduction and sustainable development. It opens doors to higher-paying jobs, entrepreneurship opportunities, and financial literacy, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty. Additionally, literate communities are better equipped to adapt to technological advancements and participate in the global economy. Overall, literacy serves as a fundamental building block for the holistic development of individuals and communities in the developing world, paving the way for progress and prosperity.”
He said the programme saw over 55 adults and 85 children take part.
“In many communities, parental involvement in the academic well-being of their children is paramount. Firstly, parental engagement reinforces the value of education and creates a supportive home environment conducive to learning. When parents actively participate in their children’s education, they demonstrate the importance of school attendance, completion of homework, and engagement in extracurricular activities,” he said.
He noted that parental involvement strengthens communication between home and school, fostering collaboration between teachers and families to address students’ academic needs. This collaboration can lead to early identification of challenges, tailored support, and interventions to ensure students’ success.
The programme, according to Abner, is just one of the first of many. The organisation also opened a literacy centre after the workshop and hopes to build many more in the future.
“We intend to open as many as we can because the need is so big our children cannot read with meaning. The idea is to roll out the programme in other parts of Gauteng and other provinces as well,” Abner concluded.
For more information on how you can play a role in assisting with literacy in the community, visit mzansiliteracycenter.co.za or contact Abner on 072 534 1057.
