The Franschhoek Literary Festival Schools Programme has kicked off this week, paving the way for the highly anticipated Franschhoek Literary Festival (FLF) happening over the weekend.
Franschhoek Reading, an initiative by the Franschhoek Literary Festival, has had a significant impact on four primary schools in the Franschhoek area over the past 15 years.
From 15 May to 19 May, the FLF team has curated a reading promotion that is run by library facilitators at each school.
The primary objectives of Franschhoek Reading include inspiring young people to utilise libraries, cultivating their appreciation for books and reading, spreading awareness about the joys of reading, exposing children to activities that foster a love for words, stories, and books, as well as sharing skills among educators and library facilitators.
Franschhoek Reading will take place at the following schools:
- Monday, 15 May: Wemmershoek Primary (404 learners)
- Tuesday, 16 May: Groendal Primary (901 learners)
- Wednesday, 17 May: Wes Eind Primary (549 learners)
- Thursday, 18 May: Dalubuhle Primary (739 learners)
- Friday, 19 May: Phendulani Quiz – Grade 7 learners (300 learners)
Engaging activities will be conducted in Afrikaans, isiXhosa and English, tailored to different grade levels.
The programme for the week includes the Phendulani Quiz, Franschhoek Writing, visits from book mascots, two theatre performances (Ouma Olifant/Makhulu Indlovu and Bongi Bird), storytelling, games, motivational talks, Wordathon, story reading, alphabet stories, exploring pictures as a language and guidance on writing a story.
Also read: Discover the enchanting world of Liberty Books in Grabouw
Throughout the week-long programme, activity books, activity sheets and books will be distributed to the participants.
In addition to support from the FLF, the 2023 Franschhoek Reading initiative also benefits from the contributions of various industry stakeholders such as Jonathan Ball Publishers, PanMacmillan, Penguin Random House, Oxford University Press, NB Publishers, New Africa Books, Nal’ibali and The Book Development Association.
These organisations have provided book donations, mascots, activity sheets and reading supplements.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Enjoy an all-inclusive sanity break package for two in the Cape Winelands for R3199. Get it here.
Elitha van der Sandt, Franschhoek Literary Festival Director, commented, ‘It’s an opportunity to connect learners to words, songs, play, and stories in a fun, non-intimidating way.’
‘Simply giving a child a book and saying it’s important to read is not enough. We need to make them fall in love with words and stories. And where can they find them? In books.’
Also read:
Booker Award-winning novel comes to life on stage in Cape Town
Picture: Supplied