Project name: WCED Family Literacy Project Report
Project date: February 2009
Service: Research

Extensive and in-depth research shows that the literacy and numeracy levels of grade three learners are far below what is required of them to learn and develop effectively. To address this, the Family Literacy Project was launched. The aim was to bring the home and school closer together to promote the literacy development of children and their parents/caregivers.

This pilot programme was initiated in 11 Adult Education and Training (AET) centers in the 28 priority areas within the Western Cape. Each center produced a report highlighting the structure of the center and programme, outcomes achieved, challenges and lessons learnt. DEVELOPMENT WORKS conducted research to consolidate the information from each AET center. The outcome of this research was a comprehensive consolidated provincial report.

The provincial report provides a valuable opportunity for the WCED to reflect on the outcomes achieved and lessons learnt from the Family Literacy Pilot Project. The provincial report produced the following outcomes:
•    Improved parent-child relationships
•    Development of literacy and numeracy skills
•    Empowerment and increased levels of self-esteem amongst learners
•    Awareness of the importance of family literacy

“This strategy aims to equip parents with tools to create a learning environment at home and assist their children with their schoolwork and ultimately improve the literacy and numeracy levels amongst school going children in the lower levels. It also assists parents to improve their own education levels.”(Carmelita Nefdt, Administrative Officer, Institutional Management and Governance Planning, WCED)

By documenting the successes, challenges and learnings of the pilot into one comprehensive report, the WCED was then able to critically review the impact of the Family Literacy Project and use it for future implementation.