With over 80% of grade four learners reportedly unable to read for meaning in any language, according to a Progress in International Reading and Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021 study, the need for intervention at primary school level in particular has never been greater.
Digital literacy is increasingly proving to be one of the most effective ways of addressing this problem. Technology enables learner access to high quality, interactive, engaging educational material.
According to iSchoolAfrica, a non-profit organisation (NPO) focused on empowering learners through digital resources and solutions, access to information technology is crucial to ensuring no African child gets left behind.
iSchoolAfrica has equipped more than 100 000 learners and over 3 000 teachers in under-resourced schools with its digital learning solution. The initiative provides a mobile iPad lab and access to a comprehensive collection of curriculum-aligned educational content, as well as training and mentoring for teachers to ensure the sustainability of the programme.
“A great deal of funding is invested into grade 10, 11, and 12 maths and science programmes, but if you don’t get the narrative right from the start, when learners are still in the foundation phase, we’re not going to truly fix the problem,” says Michelle Lissoos, Executive Director at iSchoolAfrica. “The ability to read for meaning is a basic human right, making it imperative that learners have access to quality educational practices and materials from a young age.”
For learners with disabilities from vulnerable communities who have been placed in under-funded schools, Lissoos says that navigating basic educational rights can be even more challenging. Through access to the iSchoolAfrica programme, special needs schools now have access to suitable books, assistive apps, colouring-in resources and so much more. What’s more, educators at special needs schools have access to more support learning material that they can use to add value to teaching.”
Through the partnership iSchoolAfrica has formed with Vuma, the fibre operator provides free high-speed broadband connectivity to its digital library sites.
“While low to no data solutions have been developed to accommodate schools that were unable to access connectivity, the partnership with Vuma gives schools access to so many more resources, and to true 21st century teaching and learning. Access to the internet means learners have full, anytime access to digital libraries filled with books in any language, so every child is provided with the opportunity to improve their reading capabilities. Content stays relevant and up to date. Our educators and learners can be part of today’s digital world.” she says.
Lianne Williams of Vuma adds that, from the perspective of a telecommunications industry player, Vuma recognises the role it must play in boosting the impact of important initiatives like iSchoolAfrica’s digital library programme.
“By leveraging Vuma’s extensive network, which connects over 700 schools in South Africa with free, high quality fibre internet, iSchoolAfrica can extend its innovative educational programmes to a wider audience. This collaboration gives access to digital resources and promotes a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students and teachers involved,” says Williams.
“As a fibre connectivity provider, it is just as important to us that the company’s impact extends beyond infrastructure installation, ensuring that we have helped support sustainable growth for the communities that we touch.”