Zambia celebrates Word Read Aloud Day

The Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ) joined this year’s 2023 World Read Aloud Day by participating in several activities including public discussions at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Library with students and librarians, literacy presentations by school, literacy video by American Spaces, presentations on how to write a good story among others. 

Several libraries across the country celebrated the day by participating in different activities. NIPA in collaboration with LIAZ celebrated and hosted the World Read Aloud Day at NIPA Library, in Lusaka, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

LIAZ President- Mutinta Nabuyanda in her opening remarks noted that access to reading materials in whatever form is critical. “I wish to make a clarion call to everyone out there to make it a habit to read for people especially children in homes. Doing so will go a long way in promoting the culture of reading among children” she added. 

Speaking as the same event, guest of Guest of Honour NIPA Governing Council Chairperson, Prof. Mary Shelalukey Ngoma, commended LIAZ for collaborating with cooperating partners in hosting this year’s World Read Aloud Day. 

Demonstrating winnowing, separation of chaff from
grain to school children, (not in picture) on WRAD

Dr Ngoma observed that “Reading aloud is one of the most important things parents and teachers can
do with children as it helps to build many vital foundational skills, introduces and builds vocabulary, provides a model of fluent, expressive reading, reduces stress, promotes empathy and helps children recognize what reading for pleasure is all about as it improves comprehension and active listening”.

She further encouraged parents to spend time reading with their children as it encourages discussions and gives a platform for building strong family bonds.” I encourage everyone to ensure our story is told and shared with our loved ones as every day is story day through the everyday experiences we encounter” she added.

The 2023 World Read Aloud Day is celebrated on February 1 each year in over 173 countries and brings people together through the shared connection of reading aloud in the communities. LitWorld, a non-profit organization that promotes literacy, initiated the World Read Aloud Day in 2010. Its mission is to strengthen kids and communities through the power of stories.