Children who can read well are more likely to have higher confidence levels. This will benefit them in school as they’ll feel able to participate fully in activities. Another part of building confidence and self-esteem is knowing where you fit into the world. Stories can help with this process by showing children what people’s lives are like where they live and in other parts of the world.
Story-telling and reading aloud to children is slowly dying out. This has contributed to the high illiteracy levels in young learners i.e. over 40% in African countries. Children need stimulation to encourage reading to improve their literacy skills. Reading should not be seen as a school chore, it should be a pleasurable activity that opens one's mind and a world of possibilities.
Literacy Circles was Founded by Akiki's Stories and Help a Child Grow Foundation (SA) to encourage the culture of reading to and with children through theatrics with the Akiki character to build literacy acumen in children. Literacy Circles engages with children in a fun way to promote reading.