By More Matshediso
Pretoria - Lizzy Molebale, 69, says she is now able to read, write and calculate her pension money because of Kha Ri Gude mass literacy project.
“I no longer get robbed of my money by children when I send them to the shops, I can calculate my money correctly. I can even go to the bank by myself, without asking for my children’s assistance. I am able to put a signature where it is required, because of Kha Ri Gude,” Molebale said.
She gave her testimony on Wednesday during a Kha Ri Gude road show and prayer service for examinations, which was held at Atteridgeville, in Pretoria.
The road show was led by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshega with the aim to promote Kha Ri Gude, which is aimed at reducing illiteracy rate among adult South Africans.
Kha Ri Gude Chief Executive Morongwa Ramarumo said the project was launched in 2008 for the benefit of about 9.6 million South Africans who were illiterate.
“Kha Ri Gude has managed to teach about 3.4 million of them to read and write,” said Ramarumo.
Ramarumo added that the project accommodated beneficiaries, including the visually impaired, hearing impaired and people with disabilities, free of charge.
“If somebody wants you to pay for Kha Ri Gude classes, you must report that person to the department of education,” she said.
Minister Motshega reiterated Ramarumo’s words, saying the project began with 80% of learner population being females and 80% was also people with disabilities, 25% were youth and 20% were elderly people.
The Minister encouraged more elderly citizens to register and get educated, saying it will help them contribute to the development of the country and moving South Africa forward.
“Countries like Russia, China and many others are leading the world because 85% of their population are literate and educated. We must take education seriously and influence our children to study further,” Minister Motshega said, addressing more than 300 adults gathered in Mbolekwa Hall, in Atteridgevile.
Minister Motshega said about 1.5 million adults still need to benefit from the project as it was the initial target.
“Please also get your neighbours to register as the project will phase out in about three years’ time. From then, we will be focusing on ABET,” said Minister Motshega.
She advised those who are already in the system to work hard on their studies, so that they can qualify for bursaries to further their studies.
The Minister also pleaded with parents and guardians to allow grade 12 learners enough time to study for the upcoming end-of-year examinations.
“Help them with laundry and the dishes for this period only; please… this is a vital time for their studies. We need them to pass,” she said.
A prayer service was also held for the examinations by various leaders of faith based organisations who attended the event. - SAnews.gov.za
