Building a reading culture from the Cradle
Children from local creches and early childhood development centres, along with pregnant women, participated in the recent Born to Read Campaign to foster a love of reading.
The Born to Read Campaign recently promoted a culture of reading and targeted pregnant mothers to encourage them to read to their unborn babies.
The programme was hosted at Mohlakeng Ext 7 Library, where ward councillor Tefo Legote expressed his joy at seeing a joint effort to develop a reading culture among the youth.
“It is even more interesting to have all structures, including the security cluster, being part of the occasion,” he said.
“Through this programme, we want to urge mothers to take library memberships,” continued Clement Daniels, Randfontein West City Library Manager.
Thandeka Legae, Rand West City Librarian, added that this programme forms part of the Literacy Month activities.
“It aims to encourage mothers to read to unborn babies and those at creches and early childhood development centres,” Thandeka explained.
Patrick Maseng and Nthekge Baloyi from the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation further emphasised that studies indicate unborn babies can hear what mothers read to them.
“Reading is broad and it can be for pleasure or for educational purposes,” Patrick said.
The day featured a variety of activities, including Pantsula dancing, face painting, and a jumping castle. This was a delight to many children from local creches and early childhood development centres.
Local author Dikeledi Mookodi also conducted a book reading of her work for the children at the event.
