As the delightful quote from Dr Seuss reminds us: ‘ The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.’ Reading is so central to learning and life, that it’s impossible to imagine being able to survive without it.

The reality is, many children don’t see a book – let alone learn to read – until they’re in school. There are many benefits to learning to read at an early age, including an improved attention span and better vocabulary – just two of many reasons for our Accelerated Early Grade Reading Project.
 
This important project, which we’ve run for the past three years in partnership with the Free State Department of Education, has focused on improving young children’s ability to read. Aimed at boys and girls from Grade 1 to 3, the project has operated in 150 schools across all five districts in the Free State – and has also improved the skills of teachers and caregivers.

ENDS

About: Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.
 
Note to the Editor: If children are affected, we’ve got something to say. Our team of experts are available for comments, interviews and information.