Educational experts say that addressing the literacy crisis in South Africa will require collaboration between multiple key players.
One such a person is literacy activist Boniswa Mkhumbeni (26) from the Ikgomotseng township in Soutpan. She is fostering a love of reading in children of her immediate community and those of the neighbouring town of Brandfort.
Mkhumbeni stands tall among young South African women committed to transforming their communities through literacy education.
While supporting children at four early childhood development (ECD) centres, she also inspires parents and educators to spread a love of reading and story sharing.
In addition to this, Mkhumbeni runs a successful after-school reading club for children between the ages of six and 14.
“It has been proven that literacy skills lead to academic success in all subjects. Also, children who regularly hear stories in languages they understand are more likely to become lifelong readers themselves,” said Mkhumbeni.
“I have personally witnessed and experienced the kind of opportunities that education can create. For example, I have developed good problem-solving skills through education. For me this is a sense of accomplishment. That is why I am determined to help my community when it comes to education.”
Mkhumbeni is part of a network of young agents of change, known as Story Sparkers, led by Nal’ibali – a national reading-for-enjoyment campaign providing free quality children’s stories and training on how to run reading clubs.
In her role as a Story Sparker, Mkhumbeni ensures that books and stories are brought to life for children in languages they understand. Her day-to-day activities include the running of literacy-related events and activations.
“Creating awareness on the importance of reading and sharing stories is the first step in getting communities involved, before showing them how,” she says.
Mamiki Olifant, ECD practitioner and owner of the Haleletsang Day-Care Centre, attests to Mkhumbeni’s role in community building.
“Boniswa and Nal’ibali’s involvement with our ECD has made a world of difference. She has introduced innovative methods such as role-playing and using objects when teaching the kids how to read and write. She takes pride in her work and it shows in how she interacts with the young ones, who love her to bits,” said Olifant.
- For more information about the Nal’ibali campaign, or to access children’s stories in a range of South African languages, visit nalibali.org, or send the word “stories” to 060-044-2254. Also find Nal’ibali on Facebook and Twitter: @NalibaliSA.
