February 5 marks World Read Aloud Day, an annual event aimed at emphasising the importance of reading and storytelling in communities worldwide.
According to Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, an alarming 60% of South African homes lacking books and eight out of ten children unable to read for meaning. This, he says, underscores the critical need to foster a culture of literacy in the country.
“As part of World Read Aloud day, it is important that we grow a culture of reading, whether it is through parents reading to their children, children reading to each other, volunteers reading to the elderly, or simply community groups getting together and sharing stories. The aim is to get every person in each community reading.”
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Mackenzie says his department, through its Library Service and the YearBeyond youth programme, is working to do so, and also cultivate a love of reading across the province.
“With 376 public libraries across the Western Cape, and YearBeyond youth working in 240 of these libraries, we are proud to support a culture of literacy, learning, and storytelling in our communities.”
Ricardo Mackenzie encouraged widespread participation in reading initiatives.
Meanwhile, Provincial Education Minister, David Maynier, highlighted the importance of parental involvement in literacy development. He encouraged parents and caregivers to access the Education Department’s online portal for free eBooks to improve child reading.
“A love of reading is the greatest gift you can give your child, and provides the foundation for their school career. I encourage every parent to set aside time each day to support the development of reading skills, which will ultimately help to improve learning outcomes in the Western Cape.”
Mackenzie will visit the Delft Public Library to observe efforts on Wednesday.
The visit comes just days after a shocking bullying incident in Delft at Leiden High School. A 14-year-old learner was allegedly assaulted by fellow students in a bathroom. The Western Cape Education Department has since launched an investigation, and spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed that support is being provided to the victim, while disciplinary action will be taken against the perpetrators.
