The main aim of the Shine literacy programme is to teach illiterate children how to read and write. We also provide our pupils with teaching in subjects that they will encounter when they enter mainstream education after graduating from Shine. Of these we place an emphasis on basic numeracy.
Shine Zambia Reading Academy offers a two-year programme:
- Year 1 focuses on basic literacy using the phonics method of teaching children how to read as well as basic numeracy. We also follow the Zambian curriculum for English and Maths at Grade 1 and 2.
- Year 2 continues to develop literacy skills and encourages pupils to engage in Creative Writing, as well as teaching English, Maths, Science, Social Development Studies and Chinyanja (the local language) up to Grade 4.
Pupils are encouraged to read as much as possible through our Guided Reading lessons, as well as listening to teachers reading stories to them to inspire a love for books. They also enjoy a variety of clubs and have access to a range of opportunities to develop Life Skills (including HIV/AIDs education).
Once pupils of Shine Zambia Reading Academy have successfully graduated we place them in a mainstream school and pay their ongoing fees from the beginning of Grade 5 until the end of Grade 7. Without the continued support of Shine most of our graduates would not be able to continue their education.
