South Africa: Over the past eight years, the Early Grade Reading Studies (EGRS) has been advancing knowledge on the system-wide improvement of early grade reading in both African languages and English as a second language in South Africa.
An EGRS Indaba to unpack the lessons learned is taking place at Kiviets Kroon in Pretoria on 8-9 June 2022.
Delivering the opening address, the DBE’s Ms Carol Nuga Deliwe said: “The most effective way to bring about meaningful socio-economic transformation is to improve learning and teaching of reading in schools serving historically disadvantaged, particularly in early grades.”
A number of partners have worked together to make the #EGRS project a success.
USAID Southern Africa Mission Director, Andrew Karas, said:
“Early childhood reading is a critical foundational sector that touches every other sector. USAID and its partners in the EGRS campaign are committed to identifying ongoing areas of mutual interest and benefit to South Africa and the next generation for true inclusive development founded on critical thinking and leadership.”
Ms Muriel Mafico, representing UNICEF South Africa, one of the partners who funded the implementation of the #EGRS interventions, said: “The right to learn starts with acquiring foundational numeracy and literacy skills. Early grade reading is critical for meaningful progress in all Sustainable Development Goals.”