The City of Johannesburg’s Library and Information Services Region C and the University of South Africa staged a two-day International Literacy Day celebrations at Weltevreden Park and Florida libraries. Cllr Ronald Harris, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, has a great love for books and literature.
“Since 1967, International Literacy Day celebrations have taken place yearly across the world to remind us of the significance of literacy. Being literate not only gives one dignity but it is also a human right and advances the literacy agenda toward a more literate and sustainable society,” he said on the sidelines.
“Our programmes were presented to highlight the value of literacy and literature in society; we targeted all ages, from preschool children to adults and pensioners,” he continued.
The tea and inspiration event kicked off the two-day celebrations on 7 September 2022 at Weltevreden Park Library. Elaine Dodge, a Johannesburg-based author, was among those invited and spoke about her latest novel as well as other areas of literacy and writing.
On 8 September 2022, the main International Literacy Day event took place at Florida Library. Tracy Millar, a Johannesburg-based author, was among those invited and proceeded to present her picture book for children to a group of youngsters in attendance.
By inviting authors, Library and Information Services Region C aimed to inspire other aspiring authors with the message the invited authors presented, as well as raise awareness of the value of reading among the participants.
Another part of the event was aimed at adults, with a presentation by Professor Moeketsi Letseka, Unisa’s Unesco Chair in Open Distance Learning. Professor Letseka’s presentation focused on this year’s subject, Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces. “We hope to demonstrate to the public the need of altering literacy spaces to keep them relevant to the times and changes constantly taking place,” he said.
Library and Information Services Assistant Director Johannes Masenya concluded the celebrations by thanking guests for attending and celebrating International Literacy Day. “When we talk about literacy, we talk about humanism and dignity, and today we are extraordinarily lucky as a City to have such a profound support system, as the success of this day would’ve been doomed without learners, teachers, and all of our stakeholders. International Literacy Day has been a big success,” Masina said.
“All credit goes to the Region C Library and Information Services outreach team for executing the event in such a professional and well-coordinated manner.”
Written by Ntombifuthi Junerose Nkosi
09/09/2022