Minister records and shares story with children on World Book Day
24 April 2020
Western Cape Education Minister Debbie Schäfer encouraged parents to celebrate World Book Day (23 April) by reading a story to their children.
In a media statement, the Minister emphasised the importance of reading at an early age to ensure a solid grounding in basic literature.
“Catching up once those early years have been missed is extremely difficult, so the earlier children start to read, the better.”
Schäfer advised parents to regularly read to their children, or with them if they are old enough to read themselves.
“During this extended lockdown, the greatest gift a parent can give their child is to inspire in them a love of reading. It is an investment in their education that will make all the difference to their learning when schools are able to reopen.”
The Minister also challenged Premier Alan Winde and the rest of the Western Cape Government ministers to record a story to share with the province’s children.
Schäfer reminded parents that a child can learn using a variety of reading materials in one’s home – be it a book, magazine, newspaper, recipe or even the back of a washing powder packet. “Words are everywhere. Let them practice reading constantly!”
Minister Schäfer’s recorded story can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieSchafer4/videos/2272587703037470/
You can find this and many other stories on our WCED ePortal (https://wcedeportal.co.za/partners), along with whole host of other educational resources.