Strengthening Education

The ability to read and write is one of the hallmarks of personal development required for economic progress, political-participation and self-expression. According to the nationally representative 2016 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), 80% of grade 4 learners could not read for meaning in any language. Although there have been some improvements in reading outcomes, at least pre-pandemic, it is estimated that at the current rates of progress we will only get to all children reading for meaning in South Africa decades from now. 

In response to the urgent need for improved literacy in South African schools, The Lesedi Solar Park Trust has taken a proactive step by commissioning the Teaching at the Right Level (TARL) program. This initiative aligns with Strategy 2 of the Trust—Enabling the Implementation of Integrated Human Development Programs—and is aimed at ensuring that young learners acquire essential reading and writing skills that are fundamental for their future success. 

Understanding the severity of this challenge, the Lesedi Solar Park Trust supports the TARL program to help learners catch up on missed literacy development and equip children with foundational reading skills at an early stage. 

The TARL program is being implemented in four schools: 

  • HTT Bidi Memorial 
  • Refentse Primary 
  • Danielskuil Intermediate 
  • Assmang Primary 

TARL is a globally recognized and evidence-based program that focuses on helping children develop basic literacy and numeracy skills by grouping them according to their learning level rather than their age or grade. The program provides targeted instruction tailored to individual student needs, ensuring they progress at their own pace and ultimately achieve reading comprehension and proficiency. 

The Zero Dropout Campaign, an organisation with extensive experience in dropout prevention and literacy intervention, is spearheading the TARL program’s implementation in our communities. Their expertise ensures that the program is effectively adapted to local contexts, reaching the learners who need it most. 

Through the implementation of the TARL program, the Lesedi Solar Park Trust aims to: 

  • Accelerate literacy development among primary school learners. 
  • Improve reading comprehension and ensure learners can read for meaning. 
  • Foster a culture of learning, setting a foundation for future academic success. 
  • Support economic and social development by equipping young learners with the skills needed for future participation in the workforce and society. 

The Lesedi Solar Park Trust remains dedicated to investing in educational initiatives that uplift communities and provide young learners with the opportunities they deserve. By addressing the literacy crisis head-on, the Trust is playing a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for the next generation.