The Department of Basic Education’s (DBE’s) efforts to improve adult literacy were recognised when the Kha Ri Gude Mass Literacy Campaign was one of the big winners at the Kamoso Awards on Friday, 17 August 2012.
The Kha Ri Gude Campaign is part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Social Sector coordinated by the Department of Public Works (DPW). The DPW has awarded the campaign an Incentive Grant to the amount of R51.5 million for the 2012/13 financial year to contribute to job creation by recruiting and training volunteers.
The awards recognise the work of Public Bodies and non-state organisations for excellence in the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The Kha Ri Gude Mass Literacy Campaign enables adult learners to read, write and calculate in their mother tongue in line with the Unit Standards for ABET level 1, and also to learn spoken English. The specifically designed campaign materials teach reading, writing and numeracy and integrate themes and life skills such as health, gender, the environment and civic education. These materials are also available in Braille in all eleven languages, and for use by the deaf.
The Kha Ri Gude Mass Literacy Campaign was launched in February 2008, with the intention of enabling 4,7 million adults above the age of 15 years to become literate and numerate in one of the eleven official languages. Achieving this goal will enable South Africa to reach its United Nation: Education For All commitment made at Dakar in 2000, that of halving the country’s illiteracy rates by 2015.
Kha Ri Gude Eastern Cape won the award for Best EPWP project in the Social Sector.
In the Eastern Cape, Kha Ri Gude is implemented by 9 monitors, 44 coordinators, 860 supervisors and 7 013 volunteer educators. Of the 7 013 volunteer educators, 2 067 are involved with the EPWP with 105 083 learners.
Dr Morongwa Ramarumo, Chief Executive Officer of the Kha Ri Gude Campaign, described the award as an achievement for the DBE and the Kha Ri Gude unit in particular.
“To receive this award is recognition of the difference Kha Ri Gude is making to the lives of people all over the country and in particular the Eastern Cape,” said Dr Ramarumo.
“This shows that we are well on our way to fulfil the commitment our government made at Dakar in 2000 of reducing illiteracy by 50%”.
