Yesterday, 17 July 2024, the Alfred Duma Local Municipality’s Libraries Section successfully hosted a reading competition among 27 primary schools, with 48 participants in grade 4 that was held at the Civic Hall in uMnambithi (Ladysmith).
The purpose of the event, as explained by Ms. P. Mhlongo from the Department of Arts and Culture, was to cultivate and promote reading among pupils at an early age, help them develop the ability to read with comprehension, and raise their literacy abilities. This initiative was inspired by a study conducted by the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study in 2016, which highlighted the need to improve reading skills among grade 4 learners. In response, the State President called for a collaborative effort to launch a massive reading campaign to ensure that every 10-year-old can read to understand.
To achieve this goal, the municipality through the Library Services has joined the initiative as it brought the 48 participants to compete among in reading. We are encouraging learners to read and teachers to assist learners in the journey of reading to understand. In support of this initiative, the Scrabble-based game was introduced “Reading in IsiZulu and English,” designed specifically for grade 4 learners. Each participant received a participation certificate, while the top three winners received certificates and trophies, as well as the opportunity to advance to the district level.
In attendance were representatives from the Danhauser Library, Nqutu Library, Nondweni Library, Department of Education, Department of Arts and Culture, Friends of the Libraries, principals, teachers, and learners.
The competition had prizes to be won, and three participants were awarded in each language category, with the following prizes:
IsiZulu:
3rd place: Ncwaba Lower Primary
2nd place: Nkosi Mngayi Primary
1st place: Njabulweni Primary
English:
3rd place: Mkhamba Primary
2nd place: Thobezweni Primary
1st place: Nhlonhlweni Primary
