On 28 October, the NECT in partnership with Mpumalanga Department of Education, and Room to Read, launched the MEC Book Club at Umjindi Community Hall, Barberton.
The NECT used this occasion to donate 40 000 storybooks to the Mpumalanga Department of Education for the benefit of 61 schools.
The donation seeks to catapult and bolster reading practices across the province by encouraging teachers, learners, parents, and communities to embrace reading as a daily habit.
Speaking to over 150 guests comprising of literacy groups, community leaders,parents and learners, MEC Ms Lindi Masina stressed that reading must become a social norm.
“We are making a commitment to lead from the front, to read, discuss, and promote books that inspire thought and community dialogue,” she said. “When the MEC reads, teachers read. When teachers read, learners read, and when learners read, communities thrive.”
The MEC highlighted statistics showing that 41% of learners in the province are at emerging reading levels, 45% are evolving, and only 13% are enhancing their skills. She urged parents to play their part by reading at home during family gatherings, at bedtime, or around the dinner table.
Looking ahead, the partners outlined a vision for every district to host reading forums, every school to form Parent Reading Committees, and every community to establish book circles.
