GALLERY: City of Joburg hosts graduates in community literacy
BRAAMFONTEIN – Adult learners receive certificates after completing literacy courses.
The City of Joburg’s Library and Information Services celebrated International Literacy Day on 8 September at the Braamfontein Recreation Centre.
A graduation ceremony was held in honour of community literacy learners in support of the Cities Growth and Development strategy 2040 where the Library and Information Services Directorate focused on increased literacy, skills and long-term learning in society.
The venue filled with excited graduates from around Johannesburg who were there with their families and friends. Graduates received certificates handed to them by the community literacy facilitators and were called up according to their respective institutions in Johannesburg.
Before the ceremony proceeded, singer Sindiswa Seakhoa serenaded the crowd with soulful covers of popular songs that commemorated the graduates’ achievements.
Executive director of community development for the City of Joburg, Dudu Maseko said she understood why graduates were excited on that particular day. “I’m aware that there are serious challenges in people’s circumstances that may affect your ability to further your studies. Today symbolises an important milestone in your journey. I encourage graduates to reach for greater heights today,” she said.
The Community Literacy Programme provides people with a basic foundation for lifelong learning and assists them with the skills and ability to participate in society.
Assistant director of Library and Information Services Alenor Duarte, who has organised the graduation ceremony for the past three years, said this day gives recognition to the importance of literacy in our society. “The programme empowers older learners to be literate and able to be independent in their daily lives,” she said.
Katherine Campbell (22) from Ann Harding Cheshire Home in Northwold graduated with a certificate in numeracy in English (Level 1) and communication in English (Level 2). She said she was happy to be awarded with her certificates on the day.
The graduates celebrated in song and dance as each institution was introduced for their learners to receive their well-deserved certificate.
