Read Aloud Day’ at Harpo Primary School

Last week Wednesday, most schools celebrated ‘World Read Aloud Day’. This is a day on which learners and people in general are encouraged to grab a book and read aloud. Harpo Primary is one of the many schools that celebrated the day by letting the children read out loud to their peers and educators. The school believes that reading broadens the mind, helps learners to be proficient in their overall academic studies, and also ‘sharpens’ them into future leaders. An event was held on the school playground, where Mrs Zulu explained that the purpose of the day is to celebrate the power of words. “World Read Aloud Day motivates children, teens and adults to celebrate the power of words. This global literacy movement is about taking action to show the world that the right to read and write belongs to all people,” she said.

Grade 7 learner Kwanele Mhlongo was the first to read out loud in English. She read a story with the title ‘A party at the park’ from Nal’ibali (South Africa’s reading-for-enjoyment campaign). This year marks Nal’ibali’s 10th annual celebration of World Read Aloud Day. Inkanyiso’s LSED (Learners with Special Educational Needs) readers were also invited to celebrate the day by doing some reading. Sne Zulu and Bongi Zungu read using sign language, since they are deaf learners.

Mfundo Mfeka, who is a librarian at Vryheid library, mentioned that reading and writing goes together; they are like bread and butter. He said a library offers different services, elaborating that, “In order for one to use the library, one needs to be a member and have a membership card. We have different sections at the library, like the adult section for adults and the computer section, where we teach everyone and equip them with skills on how to use a computer, I encourage all learners to make use of the library. Instead of buying expensive books, one can come and use the library’s books freely.”

Mrs Ncube from the Department of Education gave a word of support, saying she is so proud of what the school has done. “Much has been said about reading and also much has been done, but still, as a nation, we are facing challenges around reading and still reading is underrated. It’s fundamental for teaching and learning; there is a direct correlation between reading and academic performance, and when reading is at risk, so is teaching and learning. When a child reads at least once a week, that child has a 10% advantage in a test over a child who does not read.”

The school principal thanked everyone who attended the event, including organiser Mr Mhlungu, all the guests and the sponsors. ALSO READ:A new library for Harpo

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