An insightful session of Reflection, Evaluation, and Planning (REP) recently took place in Bergville, as the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Community Engagement hosted the REP Workshop for the Bergville Schools Literacy Programme. The event gathered staff from Bambanani, Vulamehlo, Intumbane, and Sbavane Primary Schools to assess the programme’s impact and discuss plans for the year ahead.
Launched in 2023, the Bergville Literacy Programme aims to enhance reading and writing skills among approximately 600 learners in Grades 5, 6, and 7. The Programme is a collaboration between the DUT’s Library Unit, the Writing Centre, and students from the Media Language and Communications Department under the Faculty of Arts and Design and is supported by the KZN OILS/ Rajen Reddy Foundation, IQRAA TRUST, and IkusasaLentsha, as social partners and sponsors. The programme fosters creativity and literacy through poetry workshops, book reviews, and debating. The annual Bookathon, where schools compete based on their work related to the year’s selected books, serves as a highlight of the initiative.
During the workshop, challenges such as time allocation within school schedules and the occasional loss of books were discussed. However, the team acknowledged the significant improvements in learners’ vocabulary, literacy, and confidence, as evidenced by feedback from teachers. Learners have become more disciplined in using libraries, more motivated to read, and have gained self-esteem and fluency in reading. The Bookathon’s focus on comprehension has also contributed to these gains, addressing the alarming statistic that 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa struggle with reading for meaning in all languages.
Ms Thembeka Zuma, Acting Principal of Bambanani Primary School, praised the programme for its positive impact on learners. “This programme has been a great initiative for our learners. I have seen so much improvement in their reading and grammar,” she said. Ms Zuma also shared the exciting achievements of learners from her school, including one who received a scholarship to the Pietermaritzburg Girls High and another who will feature in a DSTV Mzansi Wethu short film. “I believe it is through this programme that we are producing such amazing kids. The kids now have confidence and are motivated in doing their schoolwork and reading,” she added.
Educators, too, have benefited from the programme. Ms Sibibongile Mofokeng, an educator at Vulamehlo Primary School, expressed gratitude for the workshops on debating, which helped her assist her learners. “Seeing my learners make it to the final round was really rewarding to me,” she said.
Looking ahead, the programme plans to expand its reach to two more schools in the Bergville area, bringing the total number of participating schools to six. As the programme continues to grow, its positive influence on both learners and educators promises to foster further success in literacy development.
Pictured: DUT Team with the Bergville Team who attended the REP Workshop.
Phumeza Msongelwa
