Children’s education is being held back by poor literacy and numeracy skills. The problem begins at home. In the Eastern Cape 15% - 16% of adults are illiterate. Only about 14% of the general South African population are active book readers and in 2023 63% of South African homes possessed no leisure, fiction, or nonfiction books whatsoever. An estimated 80% of 10-year-olds struggle to read for meaning and around 40% of learners drop out before completing the final year of secondary school.

By training parents and community members in active book sharing, storytelling and counting we will equip families with the skills to support children’s early learning. High quality picture books and home language stories will make it easier for families to create rich learning environments at home and strengthen cultural identity. Communities will become more engaged and invested in children’s long-term success and children will be better prepared for school learning.