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Contribute to the development of early language and literacy in South Africa.

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Support us

Contribute to the development of early language and literacy in South Africa.

Our Early Literacy Programmes

Wordworks offers five main programmes, which are used by our network of partners which include preschools, schools, libraries, community organisations, training and resource NGOs, tertiary institutions, education districts and other government departments.

Every Word Counts (0–5 years): Trainers are equipped to train and resource:
– Home visitors and community workers to strengthen the early language and literacy component of their work with families
and caregivers.
– ECD practitioners to build language-rich, interactive learning environments and to reach out to parents and caregivers to
support language and literacy learning at home.
• Little Stars programme (4–5 years): Trainers are equipped to train and resource pre-Grade R teachers and to strengthen their
teaching of language and early literacy through a series of carefully-scaffolded, story-based teaching cycles.
• Stellar Home Language programme (5–6 years): Trainers are equipped to train and resource Grade R teachers to strengthen their
teaching of language and early literacy through a series of carefully-scaffolded, story-based teaching cycles, and to reach out to
parents and caregivers to support language learning at home.
• Home–School Partnerships programme (5–8 years): Foundation Phase and Learning Support Teachers are equipped to facilitate eight weekly workshops of 2½ hours each, to empower and inspire parents and caregivers to support informal learning at home.
• TIME programme (5–8 years): This programme is for parents, caregivers and tutors of children in Grade R and Grade 1. It consists of carefully developed, CAPS aligned activities that can be used at home and in after-school programmes to build language and maths foundations.

Our programmes are sustained through ongoing relationships with Wordworks, including refresher training and events, input and guidance, access to resources and opportunities, sharing of learning, and support for programme monitoring and evaluation. We support a growing network of individuals, schools, organisations and institutions that promote the importance of, and work for, the improvement of children’s early language and literacy, through their association with our programmes and materials.

We develop, produce and distribute innovative, high quality multilingual materials (see Get Resources) to support early language and literacy learning. We invest in public education and advocacy, sharing knowledge and ideas so as to open doors for all our children.

 

Featured Story

Empowering early learning: Wordworks and Mainstream Renewable Power Collaborate in Loeriesfontein

Wordworks and Mainstream Renewable Power have united their efforts to create a positive impact on the community of Loeriesfontein. This partnership aims to equip ECD practitioners in Loeriesfontein with the essential tools and knowledge required for the successful implementation of Wordworks’ Every Word Counts and Little Stars early literacy programmes.
The rural community of Lorriesfontein faces a significant challenge with very limited access and participation in Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes due to the financial constraints posed by social ills. Recognizing the crucial role of early education, the project has played a pivotal role in nurturing ECD champions.This effort began with a partnership with the Centre for Early Child Development and later extended to Wordworks. These emerging champions are now assuming roles within the local primary school system and are also actively involved in organizing free play groups for the community, implementing Wordworks’ Little Stars programme into their activities.
The project’s impact lies in its capacity-building initiatives, empowering individuals to become advocates for early childhood development. This is what Wordworks Early Literacy Specialist, Sudika Martin had to say with regards to what the children are gaining from these activities, “When we revise new vocabulary from Little Stars stories during site visits, we see clear evidence that the children are benefiting substantially from the two-week cycle and that their vocabulary is growing.”
Visits to an ECD centre, a primary school, and a community playgroup that have been implementing Little Stars programme into their activities have allowed Wordworks to witness the positive impact it has on the beneficiaries – young learners. Reflecting on these visits, Natasha Rosen, a Wordworks Early Literacy Specialist says, “The site visits gave me a clear understanding of how the programme is being incorporated into their activities and where I can offer more support to the practitioners.”
On completion of the programme, participants are honoured with a certificate of attendance, validating their commitment to enhancing early childhood development through this initiative. By focusing on early literacy development and empowering ECD practitioners, this joint effort is paving the way for a brighter future for the children of Loeriesfontein.
Find out more about our Every Word Counts and Little Stars early literacy programmes in the link below:
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Click here to see our current vacancies https://www.wordworks.org.za/vacancies/.