948 books donated to promote literacy

THE pupils of Wingfield Primary School in Kensington celebrated International Literacy Day yesterday with new books and 11 new reading corners. The school received 550 books, allocated across grades R, 1, 2 and 3 for the new reading corners in the respective classrooms.

An additional 398 books were given to Foundation Phase pupils for their “personal use”.

Principal Ridiwaan van der Heyden said he was very excited about the event and grateful to GrandWest for sponsoring 948 books. Van der Heyden highlighted the importance of literacy for a successful education.

“If you can read, you can do anything. I’m an avid reader, so I want the kids to read as well. I’m thankful to GrandWest for the event,” he said.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), the theme of this International Literacy Day is

“Literacy in a digital world”. Unesco’s website states that there are about 758 million adults and 263 million children across the globe who still require basic literacy skills.

Geraldine Aries, a teacher for 40 years, said she was elated that the kids get to celebrate the International Literacy Day with new books.

“I’m ecstatic that the kids can see the importance of books. I want them to know that it affects their education,” she said.

Van der Heyden addressed the pupils in the school’s quad which was a vibrant array of princesses, fairies and other popular story characters.