Pupils from two Khayelitsha high schools showed off their reading and reviewing abilities during a storytelling programme held the Khayelitsha library in Site B on Friday August 16.
The programme saw Grade 8 and 10 pupils of Masiyile and Matthew Goniwe high schools reading and reviewing the book, Umthandazo wama-Afrika by Ongeziwe Bolisi, with the author present.
The library said it was important for children to read but also to be able to make sense of the book.
Senior librarian Vuyokazi Rani-Njambatwa said children should make it part of their culture to read books.
She said reading helps them develop intelligence and the ability to understand events in a better way.
“We normally invite authors to come to the library to motivate up-and-coming writers and cultivate a culture of reading, but at the same time we cannot leave behind our children.
“It is for that reason that we need to promote the culture of reading at schools.
“The two schools have always been part of this library. Another thing is that we want children to be part of reading clubs.”
She said the library invited Ongeziwe because he was a young writer and young people are motivated by other young people. After a successful day of reading and discussions, Ongeziwe lauded the programme.
He said said he was happy to see pupils who were keen to interact and look at things differently.
“They were amazing. It is good to see children able to ask questions and differ with you in that way.
“They were upfront and not scared to differ. That alone made my day.
“It was unlike us where our teachers had the final word; one would not disagree with them. But these children were truly amazing.”
Ongeziwe said even with the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we should not stop promoting reading.
“Reading is the most important tool for us all,” he said.
An avid Masiyile High School reader, Andiphile Mapentile believes more reviews for mother tongue books should be organised.
Andiphile took home a small prize for good reading and asking relevant questions.
“The programme was very exciting. I am delighted because I also got something because they think I am bright,” she said laughing.
The Grade 8 pupil said she was also inspired by the author and his style of writing.
“I read a lot and I have started my own poems. I have a collection of them which I believe I might try to publish soon,” she said.
Masiyile High School teacher Samukelo Mafu-Nombembe said the programme was an investment in isiXhosa literacy and would help teachers and pupils excel in the mother tongue from a young age.
She said it plays a good role in up-skilling pupils and schools to assist them in reading and understanding what was read.
“We cannot ask for more. The programme was excellent in such that we saw children speaking out and being excited to be part of it. These are programmes that libraries should always keep doing.
“The programme was also advocating for mother tongue which is something good for pupils. It was inspiring,” she said.
After the review, pupils and their teachers went back to class.