Reading a book can transport you to a magical place, it can feed your knowledge, make you laugh – and inspire you to achieve your greatest goals.
And to highlight just how books can whisk you to another place or another time, this year’s National Book Week (NBW) is going on a journey across South Africa to spread the love of reading to some of the country’s remotest parts. The theme of this year’s National Book Week is Going Places. It reflects not only the physical journey of travelling deep into South Africa but it also reflects the magic of books and how reading books can take you places.
South Africa’s longest running reading campaign will be running from 1 to 7 September 2014.
Events are planned in all the provinces for this week and will include reading in indigenous languages, storytelling and motivational talks, word-a-thons, poetry sessions and book debates.
National Book Week was developed in response to a study commissioned in 2007, by the South African Book Development Council (SABDC). The study showed that only 14 per cent of South Africans are avid book readers and a mere 5 per cent of parents read to their children. The survey also indicated that 51 per cent of households in South Africa did not have a single book in their home.
This annual, national programme is a joint initiative between the South African Book Development Council (SABDC) and the Department of Arts and Culture.
“In South Africa, the book is one of the most under-utilised tools to contribute to economic, social and educational empowerment. Reading a book has the power to transform the individual, the community and the country at large,” Elitha van der Sandt, the CEO of the South African Book Development Council said on 12 August.
The National Book Week team will also be giving a brand new book to every child/adult that they engage with in this week.
At the same time, the Department of Correctional Services will run parallel activities in correctional services facilities to encourage reading as a growth and rehabilitation tool.
“The importance of reading in order to achieve success in life is foundational for the individual and essential for nation building and social cohesion,” newly appointed Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa said.
What can YOU do during National Book Week?
*Participate in the programme in your province
*Donate books to organisations working with women, children, youth, disabled – in all languages
*Buy a book for someone who does not have any
*Create your own activities and let the NBW team know about it
*Promote NBW on your social media platforms
