While Afrikaans is celebrating its ninetieth anniversary as an official language this year, the language will reach a new technological milestone next week with the launch of the first comprehensive Afrikaans reading app for grade one pupils. The organisation Solidarity Helping Hand has developed this app which, among other things, makes use of augmented reality and it will take the language a step closer to establishing a so-called “new” literacy among Afrikaans speaking children.

The LeesApp (meaning reading app) consists of three separate apps that assist young children’s reading and writing. A children’s booklet, written by the well-known author of children’s books, Jaco Jacobs, and a report on the necessity of literacy and the establishment of a “new” literacy in which computer technology is playing a major role, will be introduced with the LeesApp.

Dr Lizette de Jager, lecturer in the Faculty of Education of the University of Pretoria, will deliver a speech on literacy challenges faced at university level. The principal of Eversdal Primary School, Henk Arangies, an expert in the field of technology applications in the classroom, with specific reference to the use of tablets, will also be a guest speaker at the event.

After the proceedings, tablets will be presented to pupils of Laerskool Du Preez Van Wyk.


Members of the media are invited to attend this event:
Date: Tuesday, 26 Mei
Venue: Kremetart Boardroom, Solidarity Park, cnr D.F. Malan and Eendracht Streets, Kloofsig
Time: 13:00 to 15:00