Pretoria - National Book Week, which kicked off on Monday, is expected to encourage reading nationally among children, youth and adults.
The Department of Basic Education has called on parents and members of communities to promote the importance of books and a love for reading.
From 10 to 13 September, the department will showcase its reading initiatives at the Africa Museum in Newtown. Teachers and learners are invited to attend and participate in a range of activities which include the exhibition and display of different programmes and products that encourage reading.
Also taking part will be Blindlib which will be promoting their services. In the Reading Tents, they will run a Braille game that can be used by both sighted and blind people.
The Children's Reading Tent will be a homely environment for children to enjoy storytelling at its best. Storytellers will provide exciting and interactive sessions for children between the ages of 4 to 13. Children will also be encouraged to enjoy silent reading time.
The Adult's Reading Tent will provide an opportunity for adults to explore books through group reading sessions, demonstrations, book club information and quiet reading spaces.
The Gauteng North District has also identified 30 schools which will receive book donations for their classroom libraries.
The National Book Week is being co-hosted by the Department of Basic Education in-conjunction with the South African Book Development Council and the Department of Arts and Culture.
