W
ith a literacy level
dropping below that of
leading countries, and
a high rate of aliteracy
(knowing how to read, but not doing
it), Namibia clearly needs to boost its
efforts to instil a culture of reading.
Skilled and practised readers have a
richer understanding of themselves
and others. They are more likely to
contribute thoughtfully and cohesively
to their societies.
Reading skills lay the foundation
for a child’s success inside, outside
and beyond school. Reading
comprehension ensures understanding
of the written word and opens the
doors for future success. When we
teach children to read at an early
age and to improve their reading, we
are preparing them to be productive
adults in the future. Not only is
reading a required skill to complete
school and then university, it is also
a needed skill in adulthood. With
the emergence of the internet, more
38 •
• June/July 2014
and more reading is required on a
daily basis. Our use of technology
has ushered in the Information Age,
and you can obviously make far
better use of information if you are a
fluent, adaptable and critical reader.
The ability to read enables children
to understand and interpret the
information and images they receive.
While completing exercises to improve
their reading, children practise vital
computer skills that will help them
become motivated and productive
members of society.
Reading and writing skills are
essential ingredients in almost every
subject taught in school. While many
reading specialists and researchers
may argue about the best approach to
teach these basic skills, there is one
thing they, and the research, agree
on. If a child does not know how to
read and write by the end of the third
grade, that child is clearly at risk.
Reading is the heart of education. The
knowledge of almost every subject
in school stems from reading. The
child must be able to read the word
problems in Mathematics in order to
complete the sum. If he cannot read
the notes on Science or Social Studies
then he will be unable to answer the