LITERACY & LEARNING. NOURISHING MINDS
AND ENCOURAGING A LOVE OF READING.
Reading is about more than learning to recognise words. It builds vocabulary, comprehension, confidence and curiosity, giving children tools they can carry with them throughout their education. South Africa continues to face significant literacy challenges. The 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study found that 81% of Grade 4 learners could not read for meaning, while 56% of Grade 6 learners were reading below a Grade 4 level.
EVERY CHILD DESERVES THE CHANCE TO LEARN, EXPLORE AND DREAM.
The library provides more than books. For many children, it is a safe place to spend time after school, complete homework, access the internet and study in a supervised environment. By bringing together reading, educational activities and nutritious meals, Thembalitsha’s Children’s Book Club programme creates opportunities for children to spend time with books, listen to stories, read, ask questions and develop the skills they need to keep learning.
WHEN CHILDREN HAVE ACCESS TO BOOKS, SUPPORT AND THE SPACE TO LEARN,
THEY HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD A STRONGER FUTURE.
A SAFE PLACE TO LEARN, GROW AND BELONG
Learn through Play
with educational activities that encourage curiosity, participation and a love of learning.
Movement Matters
Exercise and active play help children stay healthy, build coordination and support brain development, concentration and overall wellbeing.
Read & Discover
through storytelling and reading activities that help children develop language skills and discover the joy of books.
Nourishing Young Minds
with regular nutritious meals that help ensure children are not trying to learn while hungry, supporting their concentration, wellbeing and ability to engage.
EVERY CHILD DESERVES THE CHANCE
TO READ, LEARN AND DREAM
South Africa continues to face significant literacy challenges, with many children struggling to read for meaning at the appropriate level. Early exposure to books, storytelling and language can help build the skills children need for future learning. Children’s Book Club creates opportunities for children to engage with books, develop their literacy skills and experience the library as a place where they can learn, connect and feel supported.
WHEN WE NOURISH BOTH BODY AND MIND, CHILDREN HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO THRIVE.
Children’s Book Club recognises that literacy cannot be separated from a child’s wider wellbeing. Many children spend several hours at the library after school, and even longer during school holidays. Librarians observed that some children were coming to the library without food. The programme responds by providing a regular nutritious meal alongside reading and educational activities. Good nutrition supports brain development, concentration and memory, all of which are important for learning. By addressing both hunger and literacy, Children’s Book Club supports the child as a whole.
