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Get children into reading culture
Reading enhances vocabulary. PHOTO/PIKASO
What you need to know:
- To improve the reading culture, Uganda needs to increase access to diverse books, bridge the digital gap, encourage parental participation and strengthen school resources.
Many schools grapple with a significant literacy challenge: a resource-strained curriculum juxtaposed with a community environment that often lacks a reading culture. This burden transforms reading into an obligatory academic task, stifling the development of a genuine, lifelong appreciation for literature.
While often characterised as an ‘oral society’, or one lacking a robust reading culture, the reality of reading habits in Uganda is more complex. It is important to understand that the concept of an ‘oral society’ does not mean people do not engage with information rather, it often reflects a historical reliance on spoken word traditions for transmitting knowledge, stories and cultural values. This rich tradition, while valuable, sometimes exists alongside a need for greater emphasis on sustained reading. Studies suggest a preference for conversational interaction over sustained reading, a tendency not unique to the region.
However, reading proficiency and enjoyment are cultivated through consistent exposure, whether for leisure, knowledge or information. In Uganda, a weak reading culture has consequently hampered the development of a thriving book industry, leading to limited access to reading materials. This deficiency has broader societal implications, impacting social and economic progress.
Within Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools, the lack of early exposure to positive reading skills and a culture that values reading negatively affects student performance across all academic subjects. Contributing factors include inadequate home and school facilities, parental attitudes that undervalue reading, and an examination-driven education system that prioritises rote learning over genuine engagement with texts.
Fundamentals
Celebrated globally, D.E.A.R. Day, also known as Drop Everything and Read Day takes place on April 12. Pioneered by Rotary International in Uganda, the day is intended for everyone to dedicate a significant period during the day to reading. This day has been commemorated in Uganda for the last 14 years. It is a timely reminder to take reading more seriously.
Rotary in Uganda has initiatives that align with programmes such as the Basic Education and Literacy Enhancement Programme (BELP)which provides a framework for targeted intervention.
In Uganda, this translates into tangible actions designed to address the specific challenges faced by local communities. The more than 130 rotary clubs actively engage in a variety of projects, mirroring BELP's objectives, including the distribution of books to schools and community libraries to tackle critical issues of limited access to reading materials. For example, Rotary clubs have been instrumental in establishing community libraries providing access to books for children who previously had none.
Anne Nkutu, the District Governor for District 9213, says each club is encouraged to visit at least one school.
“We know that through reading we get knowledge, improve vocabulary and comprehension and have better perceptions on life. We know that in many of our schools, because of limited access to books, the vocabulary of learners is very poor. Through promoting reading, we will see our children get better grades,” she says.
Early literacy development
Rotary activities of the day target Early Childhood Education (ECE), which serves as the cornerstone for literacy development, shaping children's trajectory towards becoming proficient readers and writers.
The formative experiences children encounter in their preschool years profoundly influence their future literacy abilities.
ECE programmes prioritise the development of spoken language, recognising it as the bedrock upon which reading and writing skills are built. Through exposure to rich vocabulary, engaging storytelling and interactive conversations, children enhance their capacity to comprehend and utilise language effectively. This early immersion in language also cultivates phonological awareness, the ability to discern and manipulate the sounds of language, a crucial skill for decoding words during the initial stages of reading.
To ensure effectiveness, classrooms should maintain a student-to-textbook ratio of no more than three children per book. Quality textbooks ease the teacher’s burden, enabling them to move beyond rote dictation, and empower students by allowing them to prepare for lessons, review content and reinforce spelling. Furthermore, supplementary resources such as online platforms and well-stocked libraries offer valuable learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Supportive environment
Fred Kitakule, the national coordinator Basic Education and Literacy Enhancement Programme (BELP), highlights how Rotary plays a vital role in supporting the establishment and maintenance of libraries, creating essential spaces for learning and intellectual growth, which are key components of enhancing literacy environments.
The programme, which was established by Rotary International in 2022, has had several interventions including a footprint in 550 schools while crossing the one million threshold of reading books donated. They have also constructed more than 50 classroom blocks while reawakening more than 200 community libraries.
“We need to focus on the foundation of our learners. Ninenty percent of the human brain develops before the age of six. Therefore, early childhood is a critical period for brain development and experiences during this time have a lasting impact. This is where the problem is in Uganda as only 27 percent of the children in Uganda can access a structured ECD facility. Where’s the 73 percent? We must penetrate the impact of early learning,” Kitakule says.
Through BELP, Rotary clubs also undertake school improvement projects, which involve constructing new classrooms, providing essential sanitation facilities and ensuring access to clean water. Such initiatives create a more conducive atmosphere for students to thrive.
Digital vs physical books
Nkutu says technology presents a complex landscape for reading.
“While social media's rapid pace and potential for misinformation can negatively impact attention spans, digital platforms have undeniably expanded access to reading materials. Digital libraries offer a wealth of resources, supplementing traditional books. However, this shift raises concerns about piracy and copyright infringement, issues that extend beyond our immediate control,” she says.
The district governor acknowledges the importance of supporting local authors.
“Acknowledging the limitations posed by copyright, Rotary is prioritising buying physical books to boost reading resources in schools, where digital access is often limited. We are also passionate about promoting local authors, whose stories, beyond academic works, offer children relatable and engaging narratives. We need to shine a brighter light on these storytellers.”
To fully leverage the benefits of digital resources, it is essential to promote digital literacy skills alongside traditional reading. This includes educating children on how to critically evaluate online information, navigate digital libraries, and use technology responsibly for learning.
