Growing up in South Africa brings the privilege and opportunity to learn several different languages. Research shows that exposure to different languages from a young age enhances cognitive ability and problem-solving skills. Moreover, multilingual children develop greater empathy, tolerance and cultural respect which are important qualities for future citizens of our country. At St Charles College Scrummies our boys get very excited when it is time for their lessons with Ms Dlamini, our isiZulu specialist. From Grade 000 they learn to greet, count and sing a variety of fun songs in isiZulu. Ms Dlamini uses our themes to introduce new isiZulu words. It makes our hearts very happy when our boys proudly tell us that a train is also “isitimela”. – Mrs Liesl Meter (Head of Pre-Primary).

Photo credit: Saysha Baker