Did you know that lawyers can be described collectively as an “eloquence” or, very aptly, an “argument”, or a “disputation” of lawyers. These tongue-in-cheek terms nonetheless highlight the profession's deep connection to words, both their power and precision. The legal profession knows how crucial it is to understand words and to use them correctly, even if it debates their appropriateness.
Cox Yeats Attorneys partners with The Domino Foundation to tackle the challenge of illiteracy. The firm’s National Marketing and Brand Manager, Lerato Ramango, commented: “Early-grade literacy statistics in South Africa are deeply concerning. Domino’s focus on reading-for-meaning resonates strongly with our belief that education is the foundation of progress, for individuals, for communities and the country as a whole.”
Domino hired a young, fully qualified Foundation Phase teacher and deployed her to Amaoti 3 High School (A3) where Dudu Dladla became known as the Literacy Champion. Using the Neema Foundation’s “Gateway into Reading” syllabus to develop word-recognition and deciphering, a 6-month trial period to improve basic literacy skills in small group lessons was started. A year on, Dudu has made a substantial impact on basic reading and writing skills. Learners were assessed at the start and end of the half-year. Average Grade 8 literacy scores went from 43% to 60% and Grade 9 scores grew from 65% to 80%.
Dudu runs four weekly classes with a total of 133 Grade 8 learners. While International Literacy Day is celebrated on 8 September, every school day at A3 feels like its own celebration. Learners who once struggled with reading for understanding now achieve victories as the world of words gradually opens up. One learner says: “It’s important to stay behind for extra lessons in Literacy. I used to struggle to construct sentences: now I can build words and make interesting sentences.”
A3’s lead English teacher, Nobuhle Ndlovu, says, “Dudu has helped the Grade 8s so much and learners are enjoying their extra support lessons very much. We celebrate our Literacy Champion on International Literacy Day!”
Lerato emphasised that Cox Yeats’ partnership with Domino represents a long-term commitment to community transformation: “Supporting literacy is not only about helping children read. It is about enabling them to dream, access opportunities, and realise their potential.”
