Existing evidence shows that more needs to be done if we are to ensure that all children learn to read for meaning by 2030. Although the President and the Minister of Basic Education have both announced their commitment to the 2030 goal, it is still unclear how we as a country might get there, realistically speaking. ​

 

The Panel will meet once a year every year until 2030 and will review progress towards the goal. It will synthesise the evidence on whether or not government plans exist and whether or not they are being implemented. Panelists will also weigh in on where there are areas of promise and success, and where challenges remain, especially in the area of budget allocations for reading reforms and improvement initiatives.

 

Getting all children to read for meaning will take a long-term view, with sustained focus on a single issue: reading for meaning. By meeting annually, the panel will raise the status of early grade reading in the South African public space, and also provide an objective voice as to whether we are ‘on-track’ as a country.