Municipality partners with Sommer-Net-Ons ATKV to celebrate International Literacy Day

On the photo from left: Magmooda Sylvester (Sommer-Net-Ons-ATKV representative), Desmonique Hector (Current Youth Peer Educator), Mrs Loraine Carolus (Pacaltsdorp Primary School -PPS), Jonel Kerspuy (George Municipality)

International Literacy Day (ILD) was celebrated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on 08 September 2023, with the reminder that literacy is a basic human right and a necessary foundation for learning. To commemorate the ILD, the George Municipality’s Youth Development Division Section, in association with the Sommer-Net-Ons- ATKV branch, provides support at the Pacaltsdorp Primary School (PPS) to learners to help them read better to have a greater understanding of what they are learning.

This takes place through the supportive role provided by one of the Youth Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Peer Educators to the ATKV at the school. The aim of the programme is to create a love for reading amongst the learners. The Sommer-Net-Ons-ATKV branch trains these young people, for them to provide effective support at the school. Two of the previous Youth EPWP Peer Educators, have been absorbed by PPS, after their contracts as Municipal Youth Peer Educators expired.

International Literacy Day (ILD) celebrations have taken place annually around the world Since 1967, to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture.