Early Childhood

“Literacy Stars at Home”: Best-Selling Kiddies Book Writer Refiloe Moahloli Shares Her Insight On Child Literacy

C. S. Hadebe 8 September 2023

Born in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, kiddies book writer Refiloe Moahloli is one of the many brilliant minds behind some books that keep the little ones entertained and keen on reading. Some of her best-selling titles include How Many Ways Can You Say Hello?, Tullula, and Yes Yanga!

For Moahloli, the journey of being a writer and sharing stories began at a young age and with a love for books that eventually saw her pursue her passion later on in life. Coming from an age where there were hardly any kiddies’ books that represented the black child, Refiloe wrote stories more for herself before it became a desire to “create stories where children can identify themselves and feel celebrated.”

“I was a big bookworm as a child, and the desire to share stories was borne out of that love. Writing for children was more personal, I started out by writing for the young children in my own life, wanting them to feel celebrated. Soon that intention grew for all children, including the inner child in me and other adults.”

But not every child in South Africa has a profound love for books.

According to 2021 findings from The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, a study conducted once every five years, reading levels among children as young as Grade 4 have declined since the last cycle (2016).

Expanding on the research, Minister of Education Angie Motshekga noted that 81% of South African school children in the fourth year of primary school, around ten years old, read with difficulty, as opposed to the 78% five years earlier. She also added that the coronavirus pandemic was a factor in the worsening of illiteracy.

The founder of Twelve Animation Studios believes that to battle the rising levels of illiteracy among young ones calls for building an environment that encourages them to read and to foster a love for books and reading. And such starts nowhere else but at home.

“Literacy starts at home. If, in our homes, we can recognise the influence that reading holds in empowering our children, then we can create an environment where their growth is encouraged. Reading is most impactful when regarded as a family activity, a way to connect rather than a chore and sole responsibility of the child concerned,” said Moahloli about the importance of reading starting at home.

As the parent, Moahloli believes you “set the tone” for your child, and how hands-on you are will directly impact how well your child goes on to be a better reader.

“A way to encourage children to read more is to read ourselves. Children mimic our behaviour and what they see more than what we tell them. So if, in a household, they see us read, we set the tone, and they are more likely to be interested in the activity themselves. Even better is reading as a family. When we read with them, that is a form of play. We experience the joy of reading together,” she said.