As World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) approaches on 7 February 2023, the City of Cape Town’s libraries are gearing up to run a nationwide campaign to bring the magic of stories to three million children.
Joining hands with Nal’ibali, the local driving force behind the project in South Africa, the City’s Library and Information Services (LIS) aims to encourage reading among children and emphasise the importance of sharing stories.
WRAD, started by LIT World in 2010, is all about the power of reading aloud, community literacy and the joy of storytelling.
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Nal’ibali, as the torchbearer of this initiative in South Africa, sets a national target each year. For 2023, the goal is to have parents, caregivers and other participants collectively read to at least three million children across the country.
The LIS, a key partner in this literacy movement, is set to host WRAD events in all libraries throughout Cape Town. The focus is not only on the act of reading but also on creating a fun experience for children.
Councillor Patricia van der Ross, mayoral committee member for community services and health, emphasises the importance of developing a reading culture, starting with the simple pleasure of hearing stories being read aloud.
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‘Listening to a story does more than take you on an adventure you can imagine. Reading aloud develops listening skills, models the use of language and improves vocabulary and comprehension. It also motivates young children to read for themselves,’ Councillor Van der Ross explained.
Most City libraries will feature storytelling sessions, and in select suburbs, librarians will extend their reach to areas where young children may face barriers to visiting the library on their own.
The flagship WRAD event in Cape Town will take place in Green Point Park. Two hundred children, specially invited for the occasion, will have the pleasure of listening to stories narrated by a group of skilled storytellers. The aim is to create a memorable experience that sparks a love for reading in the kids.
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To pledge support for this cause and access stories to read aloud on the day, visit the Nal’ibali website here.
Acknowledging the challenges of finding time in busy schedules, Councillor Van der Ross encourages parents and caregivers to kickstart WRAD with just one story. She emphasises that beyond the joy of bonding with a child, reading aloud is an investment in their education and future – one that only requires a bit of time.
To discover the WRAD activities planned at your nearest library or to explore the world of stories available, click here.
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Picture: City of Cape Town