BY SITEMBILE SIWAWA
THE Centre for the Promotion of Literacy
in Sub-Saharan Africa (CAPOLSA) has donated 10,000 early grade readers' books to
40 Lusaka-based schools.
Beneficiary schools include Chisengalumbwe Primary,
Muyoma Primary, Saint Patrick's Girls Basic, Tuunduya Primary, Chibelo Primary,
Libala Stage Three Primary, Nelson Mandela Primary, Northmead Basic, Kanyama
Basic and Chinika Basic.
Others are Lusakasa Primary, Mkandawire Basic, Arthur
Wina Basic, Kabwata Basic, Libala Basic, Kamwala Basic and Burma Basic.
CAPOLSA
coordinator Robert Serpell said in an interview that the books will supplement
Government's efforts in trying to enhance the policy of local languages as a
medium of instruction.
The books have been translated into two Zambian
languages, namely Bemba and Nyanja and have been published with the help of
University of Jyvaskla in Finland.
Professor Serpell said teaching children in
local languages enhances the development of their reading and writing skills.
"We are delighted to give our early learners these supplementary readers' books
as a response to public outcry that the local language policy came in too soon
when there are no reading materials," he said.
Prof Serpell has also commended
Government over the introduction of the use of local languages as a medium of
instruction.
He said it is unfortunate that despite the Patriotic Front
government's willingness to make local languages vibrant, some people are not
willing to embrace the policy.
"It is very difficult for some people in other
professions to understand this policy, this is different with scientists and
educationalists," said Prof Serpell.
And permanent secretary in the Ministry of
Education Science Vocational Training and Early Childhood Chishimba Nkosha said
the donated books will help children maintain their literacy skills.
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