Learning with a little help from some friends

Abstract

If 'learning to read' is ineffective, it will prevent students from later developing the ability of 'reading to learn'. This has devastating consequences for their future literacy, general academic achievement and career prospects. Jaqueline Harvey and Cas Prinsloo reflect on seeking help from the community in remedying critical components of the current crisis in schools relating to poorly developed reading and writing skills.

Reading is a crucially important building block for future learning. Early intervention when learning is not happening is paramount for the development and future of learners in South Africa.

The authors reflect on some of the lessons derived from a two-year intervention by siyaJabula siyaKhula (sJsK), a non-profit organisation (NPO) that supports processes of education on behalf of learners, schools and departments. sJsK used a unique learner-regeneration approach incorporating various elements, including community participation.