Grade 1's Learning and Reading Abilities

For this reason the WCED commissioned a programme for regular diagnostic testing to identify areas for special attention early, as part of a strategy to develop literacy and numeracy skills in the province.

MEC Dugmore was reacting on a newspaper article today, in which researcher and speech-language therapist Daleen Klop says most disadvantaged children are lagging behind.

The WCED has initiated diagnostic testing as early as 2000, but on a small scale. It was later broadened to include all schools across the province in both grades 3 and 6.

The first massive testing of grade 3 learners was done in 2002, and the results announced last year. At the same time the WCED commissioned a study of grade 6 learners, of which the results were announced this year.

Brian Schreuder, Deputy Director-General: Education Planning and Development in the Western Cape Education Department says Ms Klop seems to jump to the conclusion that the interventions only kick in in grade 3. "That is, of course, not true. Our input is in the whole Foundation Phase - from grades 1 to 3."

Says MEC Dugmore: "The findings of the study done by Ms Klop reflects the trends that we have been picking up in our own studies and those by other agencies.

"I agree with her that there is a direct link between poverty and lack of literacy. Parents who have to battle for food every day, do not have the luxury of taking up a book and read to their children at night.

"We have just inherited the Primary School Nutrition Programme from the Department of Health and see this as an important part of our strategy to improve learner nutrition in our poorest communities.

"Good examples of food gardens at work include the Saxon Sea Primary School in Atlantis, who has just won a national award from CNA. The school employs parents to grow and sell the produce.

"Not only does the school provide food for the poor learners, but also for the immediate community through a soup kitchen.

"Many other schools have started vegetable gardens, especially in our poorest communities.

"We have also made other interventions, by providing 100 books to every primary school classroom; providing mathematics, science and technology kits supported by teaching materials and lesson plans for teachers; and continued training for teachers on the revised national curriculum.

"About 6,000 grades 4 - 6 teachers and 1,000 principals undertook training on the revised national curriculum during the July school holidays. This training forms part of broader strategies to improve numeracy and literacy skills.

"In addition, I am determined to expand Adult Basic Education and Training (Abet) and Early Childhood Development. ECD must play an increasing role in preparing children for school, particularly in our poorest communities.

"The department is currently trying to ensure that grade R is extended across the province, to ensure this reception year adequately prepares our learners for grade 1.

"However it is clear that we need a massive effort focussing on our 0 to 4 year olds from our poorest communities. Very often our children may be cared for in creches, without adequate stimulation by trained ECD practitioners.

"The Education Department together with Social Services and Health, are focusing on a strategy to support ECD in our province's poorest communities. I am confident that this partnership will at the end of the day begin to make a difference.

"The challenge of providing quality education in the context of massive poverty requires significant investment. If indeed we want to grow the Cape as a Learning Home for all our children, it is clear government needs partners.

"I therefore appeal to all NGO's involved in development and literacy programmes, to work with government in a people's contract to push back the frontiers of poverty and illiteracy."

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi: 082 577 6551, or gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za .