Partnering to advance foundational learning

Critical challenges in literacy and numeracy in South Africa

81%

of Grade 4 Children in SA cannot read in any language.

PIRLS 2021 Findings

63%

of Grade 5 Children fail to reach the Low International Benchmark in basic mathematical knowledge (four operations).

TIMSS Numeracy Results

50%

of children in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo don’t know all letter-sounds by the end of Grade 1.

EGRA Data Insights

Numbers show aggregated scores but the wealth gap is very evident in disaggregated scores. Poorer provinces perform significantly below the average.

Increasingly seeing worsening of performance of boy-child compared to the girl-child.

Mother tongue learning is a strong predictor of better performance.

FLOAT’s goal

FLOAT is a collaborative initiative dedicated to enhancing literacy and numeracy for Grades R-3 in South Africa.

A collaborative approach

Recognising that many donors have been working in this area for several years, the FLOAT approach is to work collectively with government to:

  • Understand provincial reading and numeracy strategies.
  • Align support with provincial plans to improve FLN outcomes.
  • Pool donor funding to maximize the impact of initiatives.

Focused impact

With limited funding, FLOAT aims to work with 2-3 provinces initially, ensuring resources are concentrated on driving measurable improvements. While this collaborative effort has significant potential, funding and support will depend on:

  • Completion of the expression of interest.
  • Approval by the boards of participating donor groups.
  • Alignment with proposed programme strategies and locations.

FLOAT represents a unified effort to create long-lasting change in foundational learning, emphasising partnership and evidence-based solutions for sustainable impact.

We are partnering to advance foundational learning.