By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Today marks World Book Day - and activists are concerned that the lack of books available at Early Childhood Development Centers (ECD) is stagnating foundational literacy skills needed for success. According the last ECD Census in 2021, 61% of centers have fewer than 10 books for children while only 56% provide age-appropriate reading materials. Research from the World Literacy Foundation shows that children who lack early literacy skills are more likely to fall behind and face long-term educational challenges. CEO of non-profit and community outreach organisation, the Santa Shoebox Project, Deb Zelezniak says they have ordered 70-thousands books to be printed to be distributed to under-resourced centers in the country...

<p>By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Today marks World Book Day - and activists are concerned that the lack of books available at Early Childhood Development Centers (ECD) is stagnating foundational literacy skills needed for success. According the last ECD Census in 2021, 61% of centers have fewer than 10 books for children while only 56% provide age-appropriate reading materials. Research from the World Literacy Foundation shows that children who lack early literacy skills are more likely to fall behind and face long-term educational challenges. CEO of non-profit and community outreach organisation, the Santa Shoebox Project, Deb Zelezniak says they have ordered 70-thousands books to be printed to be distributed to under-resourced centers in the country...</p>

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