Pretoria - A South African NGO has received Unesco’s Confucius Prize for Literacy.
The award was presented on Monday on International Literacy Day to Molteno Institute for Language and Literacy.
Molteno’s candidacy was supported by the Ministry of Basic Education and the South African National Commission for Unesco. “Their recommendation shows the trust they have in what we do,” said Masennya Dikotla, chief executive of Molteno.
“We are truly humbled by this great achievement, and pleased that the role we play in improving literacy in South Africa is being recognised. We dedicate this prize to the children of our beloved country and will use the prize money to ensure a better future for them,” Dikotla added.
Since 1974 Molteno has developed learning material, provided training and mentorship to foundation phase teachers with mother-tongue and English development programmes.
Improved literacy skills has a proven impact on the reduction of poverty, prevention of the spread of HIV/Aids and other diseases by keeping people informed, reduction of the escalating rate of crime, and promotion of democracy. All these factors play a significant role in the economic growth of a country.
As an NGO, Molteno relies on private funding partners to develop and implement literacy programmes. Although funds are sometimes not readily available, Dikotla said its motivation stems from the impact of its programmes that are visible in the lives of many children.
“We are in a privileged position to have an impact on children and therefore the future of South Africa, and this is a great honour and responsibility.
“I am very excited and elated to raise the South African flag in a foreign land while accepting the Unesco prize, with full appreciation of the many tasks that still lie ahead. Together we can make it happen,” adds Dikotla.
Established in 2005 , the Unesco Confucius Prize recognises the activities of outstanding individuals, governments or governmental agencies and NGOs whose work in literacy serves rural adults and out-of-school youth, particularly women and girls.
The prize is named in honour of the renowned Chinese scholar Confucius and has two monetary awards of US$20 000 (R216 110).
Every year, Unesco invites member states and international NGOs which have formal relations with the organisation to submit candidates for the Unesco International Literacy Prizes.
Pretoria News