The day was dedicated towards showcasing children’s ability to read and engage in debates with one another. All grades, from Grade R to Grade 6, participated by reading aloud to the audience, engaging in dialogues and debates and dramatising some favourite Bible stories they were told. The reading was both in Setswana, the language of the immediate environment, and English.

Dr Phatudi says that traditional Setswana dance was performed to spice up the day, to the loud cheering of the audience, who were fellow learners at the school. “The enthusiasm to which these activities were carried out implored some pride amongst learners that needed some acknowledgement. The patience exercised through sitting in the sun and appreciation showed by learners, showed a sense of commitment towards making certain that they too wanted to read with fluency and proficiency.”

According to the representatives of the Department of Early Childhood Education, the literacy day was an incredible experience – indeed a day worth celebrating and remembering to take stock, both positive and negative, in ensuring that children are literate enough to be independent learners.