In today's 'knowledge economy' where information is a commodity and where progressive and innovative technologies are used for communication, literacy and numeracy demands continue to expand.
The Department of Education subscribes to the notion that literacy, particularly reading, is at the heart of Education for All, and that literacy is central to all levels of education.
Therefore, the READATHON serves as a channel for the Department of Education?s core literacy messages and will work together with stakeholders to create a common sense of ownership.
What are the READATHON Activities?
The READATHON provides a supportive infrastructure that serves as a catalyst for involving whole communities in schools' literacy activities. READATHON materials that promote reading activities in classrooms, libraries and community centers, are distributed to schools across the country.
The campaign comprises a national inter-school competition to encourage reading and writing, and incorporates reading activities in which schools, learners, local celebrities, media, and education department officials participate.
Eminent community members participate in the READATHON by listening to children read, sharing their own views on the importance of literacy, and generally encouraging the children?s efforts. Children are hosted or visited at their schools by government ministers, MP's, business leaders, editors, ambassadors, and sport and entertainment celebrities. Leading South Africans have given freely of their time to be photographed with a book and a child.
Who is Involved in the READATHON?
Over the years public awareness of the campaign has been created through high-profile patrons including Njabulo Ndebele, Saki Macozoma, Nadine Gordimer and Sally Motlana amongst others.
The READATHON is implemented by READ Educational Trust under the auspices of the National Department of Education and is sponsored by the Nedbank Foundation. C N A, Sappi, Scholastic, Clyson Printers, MacMillan and Oxford Publishing are subsidiary sponsors.
How Do I Get Involved In READATHON?
- Support schools in your area in their attempt to instill a reading culture by making a monthly book buying donation that will enable the school to supplement its library books
- Invite learners to your business or community to read and showcase their literacy proficiency
- Donate a magazine or newspaper subscription to a school in your area
- Talk about the importance of reading
