Orlando Pirates celebrate #WRAD16
Reading Aloud praised as essential for learning and development.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/112/2016/02/read-aloud-Medium.jpg)
The event which was held at the Orlando Stadium was organised by Nal’ibali.
Internationally acclaimed singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka joined the celebration by reading aloud for the pupils.
WRAD is celebrated annually on February 24 with emphasis on the importance of reading aloud for children.
Orlando Pirates players took time off from training and spent the day reading and signing autographs for children.
“If we want our children to grow up as strong and powerful readers, we must demonstrate reading for them. When you read aloud to children, you show them what reading looks like,” said Bongani Godide from Nal’ibali.
Pirates defender Ayanda Gcaba shared the same sentiment.
“Reading aloud for children is important because it helps them understand and learn faster. It is also important for us as role models to lead by example and show children the importance of reading,” said Gcaba.
According to Nal’ibali, there are over 17 million children in this country with only 5% of them being read to by their caregivers.
Godide said that reading aloud helps children develop elements like imagination, language and emotions which are all essential for learning and development.
WRAD is all about promoting reading aloud for children in a bid to help them learn and grasp concepts more easier.