“Read with Wimpy” multilingual book initiative empowers young learners

Literacy is a fundamental human right. Yet, according to the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), a staggering 81% of South African grade four students cannot read for meaning in any language. This is an increase from the 2016 figure of 78%, so things are getting worse.

In response to this crisis, Wimpy, a proudly South African brand, has launched its flagship CSI initiative “Read with Wimpy.” This initiative is designed to empower young minds by promoting multicultural education and providing underprivileged early childhood development (ECD) centres across the country with a “library in a box”. Each box includes a series of books featuring diverse stories and local folktales that are relatable to South African children at an ECD level.

As South Africa marks International Literacy Day on September 8, the need to foster literacy, with a focus on multilingual education among children from a young age, has never been more pressing. Wimpy’s initiative directly addresses this need by ensuring children have access to literature in their own languages – laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

This year, UNESCO’s theme for International Literacy Day is “Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace”. Educational psychologist, Seago Maapola, emphasised the importance of this theme in the South African context, a multicultural country with rich linguistic diversity.

“Embracing multilingual and multicultural literacy empowers every child’s voice. There is a critical need to teach literacy at an ECD level in children’s own languages so that the books they read are relatable,” she said.

Literacy month in September and National Book Week from September 5 to 11 are critical times to highlight the importance of multicultural and multilingual education. Wimpy’s "Read with Wimpy" initiative plays a pivotal role in this effort by providing resources that support literacy development in children’s home languages. Expanding on the role that literacy can play in promoting mutual understanding and peace, Maapola said: “Literacy is one of the most basic tools for cultivating tolerance and peace. With increased interconnection, and language barriers that cause misunderstanding, conflict and disqualification can be lessened.”

Maapola also highlighted the importance of training and support for primary school teachers if South Africa’s “shocking” literacy statistics are to improve. The 2030 Reading Panel found there is a need for urgent reform in the training of primary school teachers, who often arrive at university with some of the lowest language skills and receive inadequate training in teaching children to read.

Diverse and multicultural literature, as provided through Wimpy’s initiative boosts confidence and educational outcomes.

“Early exposure to literature nurtures a love of reading and builds essential literacy skills, setting the foundation for lifelong learning. When children read in their own language, they understand better. When they read or are read stories they can relate to, it boosts their confidence, their identity and their experience of education.”

Children entering primary school often have inadequate pre-literacy skills affecting their learning. Their inability to keep up can lead to feelings of inferiority and low self-esteem.

“Poor literacy can have negative effects that surpass school-going years including emotional, social and financial burdens. Literacy is not just about reading and writing; it's about giving children the tools to unlock their potential and shape their future,” Maapola added.

Jodi Law, Wimpy’s brand manager, says Wimpy is committed to enable children to develop a sense of identity and belonging.

“Wimpy celebrates South Africa’s rich melting pot of cultures and languages, and encourages families to spend time reading together in whichever language they choose. We are committed to providing underprivileged ECDs with books that represent diverse cultures and languages, enabling children to develop a sense of identity and belonging.”

Visit wimpy.co.za/kids/read-with-wimpy/ to find out more.