[LISTEN/WATCH] Spend World Read Aloud Day at the Benoni Library
Sherryl Eaton of the Benoni Children’s Section Library invites the youth to join the library on the day and read aloud to empower the future.
World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) is celebrated today (February 1).
While global emphasis is placed on the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories, local author Sonja Brown took to the Benoni Library ahead of the day to share the value of literacy with little ones.
Children of all ages gathered to hear the Bredell author read her book Archie’s Big Race to them.
Sonja’s message regarding the day was simple as she pointed out a good old-fashioned book is all a child will need to let their imagination soar and open up the avenues of the mind to endless possibilities.
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According to READ Educational Trust, approximately 758 million people worldwide cannot read.
The trust states that according to South African government statistics, youth literacy rate for those aged 15 to 34 sits at over 90 per cent, whilst adult literacy (ages 35 to 64) sits at just under 80 per cent.
The trust also lists the below benefits of reading aloud with children.
• Reading aloud is a great way of connecting with little ones. Along with the benefit of spending regular time with your children, this activity supports healthy brain development that forms a priceless foundation for success at school and on the journey of life.
• Reading aloud is invaluable when it comes to language development and promoting early literacy skills such as book handling and naming, understanding how stories work, recognising sounds and letters, expanding vocabulary and honing listening skills.
• Reading aloud also boosts confidence, helps children cope better with anxiety, develops memory and expands children’s worlds.
NGO Nali’Bali believes there is huge potential in South Africa to turn the literacy crisis around so that reading becomes a powerful tool, to tackle inequality and poverty.
The NGO focuses on reading for enjoyment and is built on the simple logic that a well-established culture of reading can be the tipping point for education in the country.
According to the managing director of the NGO, Jade Jacobsohn, WRAD seeks to draw attention to the importance of reading aloud to children in their mother tongue.
“Every year, thousands of South Africans join in the celebration,” says Jacobsohn.
“They are doing it for their children, their language and their futures.
“The reading of a story out loud not only shows children the value of books but starts discussions, builds bonds between the reader and the audience and motivates children to learn to read and enjoy books beyond their current reading ability.”
Sherryl Eaton of the Benoni Children’s Section Library invites the youth to join the library on the day and read aloud to empower the future.
“All the children should come on the day,” said Sherryl.
“It’s a very exciting initiative and I hope to see a lot of them (children) here on the day.”
https://soundcloud.com/benoni-city-times/world-read-aloud-day-on-friday-february-1
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