Yomelela Primary School dominated both the English and Xhosa categories when Khayelitsha library in Site B held a reading competition between seven primary schools last Wednesday, April 26.
Unfortunately, the winning pupils will not have the opportunity to take part in the provincial competition as it is no longer taking place.
In thanking the participants, schools and the judges, Vuyokazi Rani-Njambatwa, acting senior librarian, said it was a pity that there no was longer a provincial competition.
She, however, urged schools to continue focusing on reading and spelling.
“This was a good show. We are happy that our children can read and spell words. We need to continue encouraging them to read. It is our duty to make sure that they learn and read,” said Ms Rani-Njambatwa.
The City’s head of libraries in the east area, Patricia Noyoo, who was part of the panel of judges, thanked the library for hosting function.
She urged teachers to at all times instil confidence in children.
She also encouraged the pupils to love and care for themselves.
“Two very important things are, the most important person in your life is you; and secondly the biggest competitor is yourself. Compete with yourself. The earlier you learn that, the better,” she said.
She commended the way pupils projected themselves and their word pronunciation.
She said she was happy that children are on the right path. Another word of support came from Lawrence Mkentane, senior librarian from Philippi East.
Mr Mkentane urged pupils to do their school projects and use libraries for information. He said for them to succeed in life, they needed to be inquisitive.
“Learn to ask questions. If you have something that you do not understand, do not hesitate to ask. Go to the librarians and asked the questions and get information. The other thing pupils must do is form reading clubs. That will help them read and understand a lot of issues,” he said.
Children were accompanied by their teachers to receive their certificates.
The pupils said they enjoyed day.
It was a moment of pride for Lilitha Ngongotye who won for Xhosa and Muhle Nkuntsu who took the English category prize.
Lilitha said she was happy that they prepared well even though they had not had a lot of time.
