Sesame Workshop And Book Village Host Educational Play Festival To Mark Milestones In Literacy

Sesame Workshop South Africa marks a quarter century of impact and Book Village is marking its fifth year. With this in mind, the companies are collaborating to promote education and literacy with formulated play stalls, hosted by NGOs and partners including a reading corner arranged by Vumatel, a dance station managed by Thales, a language learning station facilitated by LIMU, a phonics game by Book Village and a listening game with Sesame Workshop, says the organisation.

"The Play Festival was a resounding success, our aim was to recognise the achievements of Sesame Workshop South Africa and Book Village in promoting education and literacy and we did just that," says Mari Payne, Deputy Managing Director and Senior Director Education and Outreach at Sesame Workshop International, South Africa.

The event benefits 89 Grade R-children and 376 Grade 1-children from the local primary school in Cosmo City. Cosmo City Primary 1 is a public school located in Johannesburg North, with 2 257 learners. Through a relationship with The Bookery and Book Village's CEO, Sarah Bradfield — having volunteered in this school by helping children with reading — Book Village became a partner to the school in 2020 and started their reading programme in 2021. Book Village has been working closely with the learners in the foundation phase and over 2 000 students have improved their reading abilities through the programme, says the organisation.

"It was a privilege to bring together children, volunteers, educators and partners in a fun and educational environment, with emphasis on promoting literacy outcomes, which is critical as literacy is a fundamental skill which opens doors for learning and growth," Payne adds.

Payne highlights the need for development in literacy, with many of South African children struggling to read for meaning by Grade 4, which hinders academic progress and future opportunities. Early literacy interventions like the Play Festival aim to ensure that children develop strong reading skills, enabling them to understand and engage with the world around them, says the organisation.

By promoting literacy through engaging activities, Sesame Workshop South Africa and Book Village aim to empower children and foster a lifelong love of reading, concludes the organisation.

For more information, visit www.sesameworkshop.org. You can also follow Sesame Workshop on Facebook, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor