World Book Day: NPO invests in books for children in Pienaar

The founder of the Raise a Reader Platform, Christine Simelane, said that World Book Day, observed annually on April 23, means celebrating and promoting the culture of reading while also appreciating the intellectual property of the writer.

This is what she aims to achieve through the non-profit organisation based in Pienaar.

Simelane, an English language teacher and a passionate librarian, said instilling a love of reading in child is vital.

“A book in the hands of a child in a rural area will open up a world of possibilities. When people read, they are exposed to a new world of vast ideas, possibilities and different ways of critical thinking. Books bridge the gap to access to information, expand vocabulary and enrich literacy skills.”

ALSO READ: Lifestyle motor club donates school shoes to learners outside KaBokweni

She said while some may be privileged to have access to large and well-resourced public libraries, this may not be the case in rural communities. The Raise a Reader Platform hopes to establish a library in Pienaar.

“We collect preloved books and other reading material to help kids learn how to read, and tell and write their own stories. There has been a positive impact on the kids who are part of the programme. However, without a facility yet, our programme is limited.”

ALSO READ: Rhandza Xikolo Xa Wena Campaign launched in Gert Sibande

She shared some ideas on how parents and teachers can encourage children to read. “Read to children in an enjoyable way so they look forward to it. Replace TV or screen time with books they can read by themselves or by reading food labels, newspapers and manuals at home. Also create book reading clubs in rural communities and share reading material,” Simelane said.