Meet book lovers that are actively working towards supporting and developing a reading culture for the youth.
The benefits of reading are widely known by adults but trying to convince children of these lessons has become quite a mission.
This is why married couple Sewela and Loyiso Langeni have started holding readings to children in their bookshop, Book Circle Capital in Melville.
In July they hosted their first reading and author Refiloe Moahlodi read her book How many ways can you say hello? to the children that fill up 27 Boxes on Saturday mornings.
The Moahlodi-reading was well attended and resulted in the Langenis planning to host these children’s readings more often.
Sewela explained where the idea to host such events came from.
“When we [Book Circle Capital] moved to 27 Boxes we saw that our shop is overlooking a playground and that playground is full every weekend, and I thought this is just begging to be explored. On top of that, we have four children.
We were trying to get them into reading so we thought, instead of forcing them every night by saying ‘no TV, let’s read’, let them see a reading culture happening around them.”
Sewela shared what she feels is the importance of creating and developing a reading culture for every child.
“With reading you are able to articulate more because it has more reach vocabulary-wise than TV – more complex words are said in books.”
She also said that the physical touch and active attention you give to a book forces you to use your senses, brain and most importantly your imagination.
This goes a long way in making sure children grow up into adults that are capable of identifying problems and creating potential solutions to those problems.
The next children reading event will be hosted in September and the Langenis invite all parents and their children to join them. Details will be released closer to the event.
Details: Book Circle Capital www.bookcapital.co.za; info@bookscapital.co.za; 081 041 3655.
