The Baobab – one of Namibia’s super trees
October 26, 2012BIG STORIES about little things – the journey of Etosha Flamingos
October 29, 2012Text and images: Marita van Rooyen
“Reading is something we can not do without in the 21st century. People who read walk confidence, talk confidence, and preach confidence. Keep on reading!”
Elia George Kaiyamo, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration, former Chairperson of the Namibia Library Council, and book lover
Books galore.
Reading is fundamental to function on today’s society as it’s crucial for the smooth flow of many day-to-day activitiesDeputy minister Kaiyamo stressed the fact that we should cultivate a reading culture in Namibia and highlighted a few crucial points:
- Reading is a vital skill in finding a good job
- Reading is important because it develops the mind
- Through reading we discover new things
- Reading is fundamental in developing a good self image
- Reading will enhance the democratic process of the country of brave people
“Reading is a culture. You can influence your children by reading yourself. Reading must be a continuation/tradition/social identity to carry on for many generations. Education will only flourish if parents encourage their children to read.”
Keep bookworms busy with a writing workshop presented by Véronique Tadjo; admiring locally created comic strips in Namibia’s first ever comic book created specifically for children, Speech Bubble; attend Gcina Mhlophe’s interactive presentation on how to tell a story; book launches; a spooky reading night, storytelling performances; and enjoy the full version of Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!
Some of the other activities launched as complementary to the Fair include the Read a book. Make a book. Tell a story. project, where UNESCO and the Embassies of Portugal and the United States will visit primary schools in Windhoek and Walvis Bay to promote youth literature. The team will be accompanied by renowned Portuguese storyteller and children’s book illustrator, Pedro Leitão.
Book shopping.
Namibia Youth Reading, a book donation programme was also launched, with the specific aim to ensure children in underprivileged schools have access to quality literature.
The Namibia Youth Book Fair is on from today until Monday, 29 October, at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre and Goethe Centre/NaDS. Visit the Fair to meet the authors, take part in activities and read some books! Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Contact the FNCC or Goethe Centrum for more information, or the full programme.
