The City of Tshwane Library, Heritage and Information Services Section collaborated with the Gauteng Department of Education during World Read Aloud Day on 1 February 2023 at Kulani Primary School in Winterveld, Region 1.
World Read Aloud Day is a day dedicated to promoting a culture of reading aloud by children with their families, teachers and caregivers. This year’s theme was Read and learn.
The City of Tshwane campaign targeted learners from Grade R to 7 with the objective to encourage reading among these learners in their home languages.
In my capacity as MMC for Social Development and Community Services, I spent my morning with vibrant learners at Kulani Primary School in Winterveld where I had the opportunity to participate in the Read Aloud Project.
Our Library, Heritage and Information Services Section teams took the campaign to various schools across all regions where they participated in reading exercises with the learners.
It is my conviction that children must learn in their home languages and understand it as it builds confidence in their identity. Therefore, I would like to encourage parents to assist their children in developing an interest in reading and speaking their home languages to preserve their identity and gain confidence in who they are.
I would like to thank teachers across the city for the good work they are doing in educating our young ones, and to urge them to never tire in encouraging learners to
stay principled and dedicated to their education, whether at home or in school.