EAST LONDON – The Eastern Cape Department of Education, under the leadership of MEC Fundile Gade, unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at fostering a robust culture of reading among citizens, particularly targeting learners. The inauguration of the book club took place on 22 November 2023, at the Mandla Makupula Education Leadership Institute in the Buffalo City Metro Education District.
The launch program, spearheaded by MEC Fundile Gade, was designed with the core objective of igniting a passion for reading among the youth. Recognizing the transformative power of reading, the event’s focus was to instill a profound understanding of the significance of reading among learners.
The upcoming program, slated for the following day, will concentrate on developing the fundamental skill of reading with comprehension and meaning for learners. This crucial emphasis on comprehension aims to enhance not only the act of reading but also the understanding and interpretation of the material.
MEC Fundile Gade, speaking at the event, expressed fervent support for the book club initiative, highlighting the pivotal role reading plays in shaping minds and nurturing critical thinking among the younger generation.
The MEC futher said “ let’s welcome this initiative, but let’s a programmatic step by step engagement stating from these book clubs,” said Gade.
The launch garnered positive responses from educators, learners, and education stakeholders present, with high hopes for the initiative to contribute significantly to the educational landscape of the Eastern Cape province.
As the Eastern Cape Department of Education continues to champion literacy and educational development, this book club launch stands as a testament to their commitment to cultivating a society that values and embraces the profound impact of reading on intellectual growth and learning.
