World Reading Aloud Day: Reading should be a national priority, says WC Cultural Affairs MEC

CAPE TOWN - Take a moment during the course of the day to read to someone! 

Wednesday marks World Read Aloud Day, set aside to highlight the power of sharing stories.

Reading aloud to children helps them develop critical skills, assists in building vocabulary and reading for meaning.

Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Ricardo Mackenzie said in a country where 60% of homes have no books, adding that 80% of children cannot read for meaning.

Reading should be a national priority, he noted.

"I want to encourage all people to read aloud whether you are a parent reading to your child, a teacher reading to learners, a young person reading to your friend, or volunteer reading to an older person. Reading has so many benefits. Let's all get reading and inspire those around us to start reading too."