Parents urged to read to inspire their children to read more

In an effort to promote reading among children, the Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum in Lwandle hosted an Iintsomi session where they shared children’s stories with over 50 kids.

The children gathered at the museum on Saturday 18 February to learn and get inspiration to read more.

The event organiser, Zimkhitha Ngaleka, described the initiative as an attempt to take children off the streets.

She said the intention is to build their self-esteem.

“Children are always excited during these sessions because it’s something new to some of them. Most parents no longer share iintsomi with their children before going to bed. We believe it is time for parents to read or tell stories to their children,” said Ngaleka.

She added that listening to such stories helped the children to narrate and analyse situations in a story. Ngaleka said it also improved their listening skills.

According to Ngaleke, the Intsomi Session concept started in March last year to raise funds for the museum.

“Last year, we used to do it twice a month. But this year, we only had one session. We are planning a second session because the children seem to enjoy them. We don’t have an age restriction as long as a child can sit and listen they are welcome. We charge R5 a child since the programme forms part of the museum’s fund-raising efforts,” she explained.

Ngaleka urged the parents to physically support their children. She stated that the number of children attending the session gradually increased every session.

“We would like to see the parents come to listen to their children when they read. We are happy that they give the children money. But their presence during the two-hour session will make a difference,” she urged, adding that only one parent attended the sessions.

Akho Jonas (12), one of the children who attended the session, said it helped him to improve his reading and listening skills.

He added that because of these sessions, he was able to tell the story.

Jonas advised his peers to join the programme instead of sitting at home and doing nothing.