Growsmart literacy competition helps improve 700 learners' literacy skills

Belmor Primary School winners

"This year promises to be even more spellbinding as the Growsmart magic is now officially launched in all four districts of the Cape Metropole. We are proud to announce that a total of 200 primary schools and approximately 700 pupils have committed to improving their literacy levels by participating in the fourth annual Growsmart programme. The competition has really come a long way since the 240 pupils and 80 schools we had in 2010," says Shawn Theunissen, head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Growthpoint Properties.

Literacy as a cornerstone of learning and growth

Speaking to its growing commitment to the Growsmart programme, Theunissen says: "Literacy is the foundation of learning and continued growth. It requires that we not merely learn how to spell words in parrot fashion, but to grasp their meaning and use them to the best of our ability by verbal expression - it's at the core of successful education systems the world over and the Western Cape is no exception. Growsmart helps to teach literacy to kids in a fun and engaging manner, enticing pupils to participate at a competitive level at which the entire community stands to benefit. Critically, it also partners with the provincial government to equip teachers from schools in underprivileged areas with vital lesson material."

Jayden Williams, a 12-year-old Grade 7 learner at one of the 2012 winning schools in Hanover Park says that he enjoyed the new word-plus-word format immensely, in which learners were asked to use a word comprehensively in a sentence in addition to spelling it.

It was the correct spelling and use of the word 'ostentatious' that helped 12-year-old Ruwayda Jacobs secure her team the title of one of the 2012 winning schools. "I learned many new words during the competition. My vocabulary improved so much that it helped me to express myself better. My best memory of last year was when I brought my school report home at the end of the year and how proud and happy that made my mom. It's great that we all take part in this competition, it makes school a much more fun place to be," she added.

"Four years ago, we initiated a campaign designed to increase the focus on improving literacy for primary school learners in a fun and competitive way. By combining our resources with the great efforts of the Western Cape Education Department, we're working for a more literate and well-read future to the benefit of all our children," concludes Theunissen.

The Growsmart programme has made a significant impact on the lives of learners, teachers and surrounding communities. Since the launch in 2010, Growsmart and Christel House School in Ottery have offered three learners, who took part in the final round of the competition, the chance to complete their schooling at the school. Christel House will provide schooling, tertiary education and job placement for each of these learners.

For more information about the Growsmart Literacy Competition, go to www.growsmart.org.za.