A recent Progress in International Reading Literacy Study has revealed a sobering truth that 81 percent of Grade 4 learners in South Africa are unable to read for meaning. This finding has sparked renewed concern over the country’s literacy crisis and highlights the urgent need for collaborative solutions from parents, schools, government as well as private organisations. Reading, especially in a child’s home language, is a cornerstone of learning and development, without it the path to academic success along with personal growth becomes far more difficult.

One organisation working to change this picture is TAQA Africa, a storytelling start-up that produces children’s video books in all 11 official South African languages. Combining text, audio and illustrations, TAQA brings literature to life in ways that are both accessible and culturally meaningful. By promoting reading in familiar languages, TAQA helps preserve heritage while empowering children to understand and enjoy what they read. Joining us is Qhawe Bula, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of TAQA Africa.

A recent Progress in International Reading Literacy Study has revealed a sobering truth that 81 percent of Grade 4 learners in South Africa are unable to read for meaning. This finding has sparked renewed concern over the country&rsquo;s literacy crisis and highlights the urgent need for collaborative solutions from parents, schools, government as well as private organisations. Reading, especially in a child&rsquo;s home language, is a cornerstone of learning and development, without it the path to academic success along with personal growth becomes far more difficult.
One organisation working to change this picture is TAQA Africa, a storytelling start-up that produces children&rsquo;s video books in all 11 official South African languages. Combining text, audio and illustrations, TAQA brings literature to life in ways that are both accessible and culturally meaningful. By promoting reading in familiar languages, TAQA helps preserve heritage while empowering children to understand and enjoy what they read. Joining us is Qhawe Bula, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of TAQA Africa.

Serious and topical issues on continent, breaking stories.

Serious and topical issues on continent, breaking stories.