Illiteracy in adults is more than just an inability to read or write; it’s a barrier that limits opportunities, diminishes self-esteem, and isolates individuals from the world around them. In South Africa, nearly 4 million adults still cannot read—a staggering number that highlights the deep-seated challenges many face. For parents, illiteracy can be particularly devastating, as it affects their ability to fully engage in their children’s education and development. Simple tasks like reading a bedtime story, helping with homework, or understanding school communications become daunting obstacles. This lack of involvement can hinder a child’s early learning experiences and contribute to a cycle of disadvantage that’s difficult to break.
Sharlene, a 42-year-old mother living in the Boland, knows these challenges all too well. A traumatic childhood left her without the literacy skills that many take for granted, affecting her self-esteem and creating a chasm between her and her more educated siblings. Despite these obstacles, Sharlene is determined to be an active and supportive parent for her 4-year-old son, who attends the local crèche. Her journey took a transformative turn when she encountered a book-sharing programme that not only empowered her as a parent but also sparked her desire to learn to read.
At first, Sharlene hesitated when Aunty Margaret, the compassionate crèche teacher, invited her to participate in the book-sharing training organized by the Inceba Trust. “I was afraid,” Sharlene admits. “I thought I would need to be able to read the book.” But her fears were quickly alleviated when the facilitator explained that the books used in the programme had no words—only pictures. “It was such a relief to hear that,” Sharlene recalls, her voice filled with newfound confidence.
For Sharlene, the initial book-sharing training was daunting. She worried that her inability to remember terminology like “pointing and naming” and “perspectives” would hinder her ability to engage with her son. However, the facilitator’s gentle reassurance that the essence of book-sharing lay in the interaction, not in the specific words, made all the difference. This simple yet profound approach allowed Sharlene to focus on what truly mattered—connecting with her son through storytelling.
As she continued with the book-sharing sessions, Sharlene discovered that she had a natural gift for it. “Once I realised the most important thing was to talk about the pictures and follow my boy’s interests, it all started to make sense,” she says. “It felt strange at first, but the more I did it, the more comfortable I became. I didn’t have to read anything—I just had to share what I saw in the story.” This newfound comfort not only strengthened her bond with her son but also began to heal the wounds of her past.
But the impact of book-sharing didn’t stop there. The experience awakened something deep within Sharlene—a desire to break the chains of illiteracy that had bound her for so long. “Book-sharing has opened my eyes and my mind, and I want to get closer to learning to read,” she says with determination. For the first time, Sharlene sees a future where she can read to her son, support his education, and build a better life for both of them. She’s already taken the first bold step by joining her local library and borrowing children’s books with words, using the pictures to guide her as she continues to engage in book-sharing with her son.
Sharlene’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of book-sharing, especially for parents who may not yet have the ability to read. It highlights how even those with no formal literacy skills can play an active role in their children’s early learning, and how that involvement can, in turn, motivate them to pursue literacy for themselves. Imagine the challenges of navigating daily life without the ability to read or write. Simple tasks like reading a prescription, filling out a form, or understanding a job application become insurmountable hurdles. Illiteracy is not a choice but the result of complex personal circumstances, often rooted in early childhood experiences like those Sharlene endured. Yet, with the right support and opportunities, these challenges can be overcome.
Sharlene’s journey is just one example of how addressing illiteracy with compassion and innovative approaches like book-sharing can break cycles of disadvantage and open doors to new possibilities. As Sharlene continues her journey toward literacy, she not only changes her own life but also sets a powerful example for her son and others in her community. The magic of book-sharing lies in its ability to empower parents, regardless of their literacy level, to take an active role in their children’s education—and in doing so, inspire them to seek education for themselves.
