Beyond September: Building a daily culture of literacy for children

Artika Tyner

Literacy is described as the ability to read, write, speak, and understand information. September is recognized as Literacy Month. This year’s global theme is: “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.” The goal is to promote learning across all ages, especially reaching the underserved and vulnerable communities. Sustaining literacy is also at the core of this month-long celebration, as well as using literacy as a tool to expand economic opportunities aimed at improving livelihoods.

I sat down with Mr. Felix Larbi Appiah, a community development officer based in Ghana, to seek an understanding of what literacy means in his part of the world and the efforts being made to ensure that all children have access to opportunities to develop in this area.

Q: What does literacy mean to you?

A: As a community development professional working with the vulnerable in Ghana, it is quite evident how the lack of access to local literacy programs hinders the growth and development of children. For me, literacy is not restricted to reading and writing, but I see it as an integral tool for transformation among the poor and vulnerable, including minority groups. Literacy is the bridge between potential and sustainable development. It promotes economic self-reliance, social as well as civic empowerment by giving members of the community a voice. Also, when digital literacy improves, it ensures that no child is left behind in the new wave of global technological advancement.

Q: How can homes with illiterate parents become a child’s initial literacy point?

A: We have one too many homes with parents who cannot read or write, but that should not be a barrier. Such homes may focus on oral storytelling. This method was used long before formal education and is still very much an effective way to improve the literacy of children. Parents should be encouraged to hold conversations with their children. This could be through daily tasks aimed at helping children build the requisite vocabulary before they begin to read.

Q: What role, if any, do community libraries play in improving literacy and preventing literacy slide?

A: Community-led spaces fill the gap left by parents and schools. In most homes, we find no home libraries or the resources to set one up. Schools in the communities I work in also lack libraries; the few with libraries are also ill-equipped, with all but empty shelves and missing culturally relevant literature. Literacy programs led by the community have therefore proven to be of great support and importance. My organization undertakes educational events in schools, engaging with children and young people on the importance of literacy and encouraging them to take their reading and writing very seriously. Most of our schools lack books; therefore, with the support of Planting People Growing Justice, we have distributed books to more than eight schools. The long-term goal is to equip community libraries and literacy programs with the books and support needed to make this drive a sustainable one. Engaging children in literacy programs during weekends and holidays helps to prevent literacy slides.

To ensure that literacy goes beyond a month’s celebration. First Educators must build a sustainable literacy ecosystem in our homes, schools, and community hubs.

“First Educator: refers to the fundamental primary role that parents and caregivers play in a person’s early development and education. They instill essential life skills, morals and behaviors.”

These are some of the actionable strategies that will help reach this goal:
• Making the home the first classroom: First Educators, through oral vocabulary building, home library initiatives, and community-led parent circles, could be adequately trained to use tools such as storytelling and daily conversational tasks to develop a child’s language skills and comprehension. Home libraries make books accessible to children. In addition, First Educators can learn simple ways of improving their children’s literacy levels through parent circles.

• Building a culture of reading: Learning happens every moment. Therefore, it is vitally important to make books and learning materials readily available in the community. This is a collective community effort which may include organizing book drives, providing training and development of teachers and volunteers, and developing literary spaces in the community. These efforts will help improve the literacy outcomes of children.

• Integrating technology: Access to devices such as Chromebooks and tablets can help improve literacy outcomes. Deploying low-cost versions of these devices with offline educational applications that do not require an internet connection can be an alternative way to engage children. Children will have access to interactive gaming and educational software that can improve their reading, writing, and comprehension.

FIRST SATURDAYS
Join Planting People Growing Justice every first Saturday for the Leaders Are Readersprogram for intergenerational reading circles that bring children and families together through storytelling and interactive activities plus a free lunch and book giveaway from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jimmy Lee Recreational Center. For more information, visit www.ppgjli.org/. 

Through her organization, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, Dr. Artika Tyner offers resources to foster literacy and education.