1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The national Department of Education (DoE) recently designed a National Reading Strategy as part of the comprehensive response to dealing with the current low levels of literacy in South Africa.
1.2 In developing this National Reading Strategy, South Africa is participating in a number of United Nations development campaigns. These include the UNESCO Literacy Decade 2003-2013 and the Education for All campaigns, which aim to increase literacy rates by 50% by the year 2015. The campaigns are based on the Millennium Development Goals, amongst which literacy promotion is prominent.
1.3 The National Reading Strategy is contained in a 24-page publication, which will be posted to all schools during August and September 2009.
2. THE RATIONALE FOR A NATIONAL READING STRATEGY
2.1 The DoE's National Reading Strategy reminds us of the immense literacy challenges that SA faces, and seeks to promote and strengthen the reading aspect of literacy in all South African schools. It is an inclusive strategy which targets all learners, including those with barriers to learning, in special schools and in youth care centres.
2.2 It serves as a management tool that states the vision for improving the reading competence levels among learners, and indicates how the DoE intends achieving that vision.
2.3 It reinforces the National Curriculum Strategy and the Foundations for Learning Campaign.
2.4 The strategy reinforces the position of the International Reading Association, which advocates a balanced language approach to the teaching of reading.
2.5 It places emphasis on reading for enjoyment; which is at the heart of the WCED Reading Half-hour.
3. SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT
3.1 The arrival of the Strategy document will support Literacy Week. For example:

  • It could be used to raise awareness of reading challenges and goals.
  • Schools could review their own reading strategy in the light of the National Strategy and the WCED Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.
  • Each Literacy/Language co-ordinator or HOD could mediate the document with all teachers during a staff development meeting.
3.2 The practical requirements and suggestions of the Nine Reading Steps should be used as a benchmark for best practice.
4. CONCLUSION
4.1 The WCED wishes to thank teachers, principals and officials who continue to work towards improving the literacy levels of all learners.
4.2 We trust that this Strategy will serve as a further resource towards our goal: "All schools achieve no less than a 50% literacy rate by 2011".
4.3 Feedback on this Strategy can be sent to ntolashe@pgwc.gov.za


SIGNED: SM NAICKER
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2009:08:25


The documents referred to as attachments to the minute, are not attached, but are available as hard copies only.