Working together to strengthen Grade R literacy in the Northern Cape

17/07/2025

Wordworks, in collaboration with the Northern Cape Department of Education, hosted a three-day STELLAR Home Language workshop for provincial subject advisers. These advisers are set to train 90 Grade R teachers in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, expanding early literacy and language support.

The workshop was full of “AHA!” moments as advisers explored meaningful, interactive ways to bring language and literacy development into Grade R classrooms. Participants highlighted how STELLAR provides a clear daily plan, encourages children’s active participation, and offers practical guidance on teaching letter sounds.

Learning in the mother tongue helps children develop stronger understanding, confidence, and foundations in reading and writing. By strengthening literacy in home languages first, children are better prepared to succeed in additional languages later in their schooling journey.

Through STELLAR, Wordworks equips trainers with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, enabling them to confidently mentor Grade R teachers. This ensures the programme’s impact reaches across schools, districts, and provinces.

This partnership with the Department of Education demonstrates the power of collaboration between government, NGOs, and communities, ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to build strong language and literacy skills from the very start.