This year, the celebration also coincides with International Literacy Day on September 8 and will include 10 indigenous-language reading festivals in remote communities across the country to mark Unesco\u2019s International Year of Indigenous Languages.<\/p>\n
Book Awareness Week is dedicated to encouraging reading and promoting books.<\/p>
A South African Book Development Council (SABDC) study revealed that just 14 per cent of South Africans actively read, while 58 per cent of households did not have a single leisure book at home.<\/p>\n
Statistics SA\u2019s recent general household survey also revealed that most parents never spend quality time stimulating and nurturing early childhood development.<\/p>\n
The survey further revealed that a third of parents have never told stories and almost 50 per cent have never read a book with their children.<\/p>\n
Elitha van der Sandt, CEO of SABDC, said the lack of reading interest in SA needs a collective awakening.<\/p>\n
Events at this year\u2019s Book Fair will include reading-related activities such as exhibitions, reading books and storytelling sessions, word-building games, poetry and play areas for children.<\/p>\n
The official mascot Funda Bala, which means \u2018read read\u2019 in Nguni and Sotho, will also make an appearance.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Books that thrill and chill<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of the centerpieces of the NBW is the #BuyABook campaign, which the SABDC runs with Exclusive Books and Bargain Books.<\/p>\n The public is encouraged to buy a book from the select list of titles, which also includes books in indigenous languages that participating retailers and partners make available for R20.<\/p>\n The books can be donated at the cash register and a team will ensure they are made available to children across all provinces.<\/p>\n \u201cWe encourage all corporates, leaders across political lines, parents, teachers, community members, brothers and sisters to celebrate stories, reading and books. It is a human right and an inexpensive way to transform and move our country forward,\u201d said Elitha.<\/p>\n The success of NBW is attributable to the strong collaborative efforts of various partners and stakeholders.<\/p>\n Caxton Local Media, under the banner of Caxton Cares, has joined this year\u2019s campaign as we explore ways to bridge the gap in learners\u2019 access to reading material.<\/p>\n Editors have committed to playing a part in helping local schools and organisations gain access to books, as well as to sharing their love of reading and languages with the children in our communities.<\/p>\n Keep informed about the campaign by following #WeRead #ReadBecause #CaxtonCares #BuyABook<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Also follow us on:<\/p>\nBuilding a reading nation<\/a><\/h4>\n
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