29 Nov 2015

Batswana have been urged to develop a culture of reading and to nurture creative writing.

Addressing some local publishers and book distributors on Saturday, the Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Unity Dow said the education system needed to send a different message that reading was not only meant to pass examinations, but also equipping people with eternal knowledge.

Dr Dow said it was incumbent upon everybody to make reading spaces attractive. 

“I think it’s time to engage young people and make the reading environment conducive. 

Maybe we need to be asking ourselves, when is education successful? What are indicators of success for education? As the minister of education I would have succeeded if the education system teaches empathy and peace,” she said. 

The chairperson of RDC Properties, Guido Giachetti commended the government for its effort towards providing quality education to its citizens.

He said the literacy level at independence was in the region of 30 per cent but skyrocketed in the last 50 years, which was an indication of how the government prioritised education.                                      Giachetti appealed to the private sector to come on board and assist the government in its endeavours to develop a literate society. 

He urged the minister to consider making future developments child friendly.

For her part, veteran librarian, Dr Kay Raseroka said libraries were a gateway to developing high levels of confidence. She applauded all publishers who graced the inaugural event, saying availing materials was in a way touching souls. 

She, however, told the minister that the state of libraries in the country were disgraceful and providing an uncomfortable reading space.

In an interview with one of the event organisers, Amanda Evans of Masa Centre said they were planning to host the event annually with the support of relevant stakeholders. 

She said they have in the past donated to charitable organisations such as Anne Stine in Molepolole, Mother Pontsho in Mmopane and Holy Cross Hospice who are the main charities adopted by the Masa Group of Companies.     Some of the renowned publishers who graced the event were Macmillan, Sebilo Book Services and Salama Publishers. Ends