Every September the education ministry through the Directorate of Namibia Library and Archives Service hosts Readathon Week to foster the love for reading among learners, nurture a reading culture in the country and create awareness of the significance of literacy.
This year’s Readathon will be celebrated under the theme ‘Read Namibia: prevent the impacts of Covid-19 in the education landscape’, which will be celebrated from 20 to 24 September 2021.
A variety of books and reading-related activities are organised by schools Monday to Thursday, and the last Friday of the Readathon Week is set aside for all schools to celebrate the activities done throughout the week.
“Programmes of this nature are crucial to children specifically to those of lower grades, as they can effectively tackle reading difficulties at an early stage,” shared chief librarian Ester Tobias.
She stated the Readathon activity does not only promote a reading culture but also seeks to create awareness on different types of issues concerning communities, the country and the world at large.
“The theme has been selected to educate learners on how to prevent infection and to slow down the transmission of Covid-19. The pandemic will help schools create safe learning environments for children and teachers.”
Tobias added: “All institutions or persons must complement government efforts to mitigate the impact of school closures, address learning losses and adapt education systems that will enable the continuation of learning and teaching amidst Covid-19”.
Tobias said it is important for all schools, teachers, librarians, parents and all community members to observe the Readathon Week by ensuring children are engaged in reading throughout the week – either at home, schools or libraries.
“It is particularly important during the Readathon Week that stakeholders simplify and ensure children read and understand the Covid-19 regulations and preventive measures as highlighted in various documents from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and our Ministry of Health and Social Services.”
This will help Namibia combat the further spread of the pandemic, which will eventually lead to achieving zero transmission, said Tobias. Last year, the national Readathon Week was held under the theme: 'Read Namibia: Know Your Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Make the World a Better Place for Everyone'.
- psiririka@nepc.com.na