University of the Free State Promotes Reading Culture through Community Partnership
Bloemfontein, South Africa –
The University of the Free State (UFS) has launched a community partnership program aimed at fostering a culture of reading within disadvantaged communities. In collaboration with local libraries, schools, and community organizations, the UFS is implementing various initiatives to provide access to books, promote literacy, and inspire a love for reading among children and adults.
Book Donations and Book Clubs
The university has donated thousands of books to local libraries and schools, ensuring that students have access to diverse and engaging reading materials. Additionally, the UFS has established book clubs in these communities, providing a structured environment for group reading, discussions, and book reviews.
Storytelling and Reading Aloud
Trained UFS volunteers visit communities regularly to share stories with children. Through storytelling and reading aloud, they captivate young minds and spark their imagination. These activities not only promote reading fluency but also help develop language and communication skills.
Literacy Workshops and Teacher Training
The UFS also conducts literacy workshops for parents and educators in the community. These workshops provide practical strategies to support children’s reading development at home and in the classroom. The university is committed to training teachers on effective reading instruction methods, ensuring that children receive quality literacy instruction.
Community Engagement and Outreach
To engage the community in the reading culture initiative, the UFS hosts various events, such as book fairs, author visits, and community outreach programs. These events provide opportunities for residents to interact with authors, learn about different books, and connect with the university’s efforts.
Impact and Recognition
The UFS’s reading culture promotion program has seen positive results in the community. The number of library visits and book checkouts has increased, and students have shown improved reading comprehension and vocabulary. The program has also received recognition from local and national organizations for its contribution to literacy and community development.
Conclusion
Through its community partnership program, the University of the Free State is playing a vital role in promoting a culture of reading in disadvantaged communities. By providing access to books, fostering literacy, and inspiring a love for reading, the university is helping to create a more literate and empowered society.
University of the Free State promotes reading culture through community partnership
The University of the Free State (UFS) in South Africa has partnered with the South African Library for the Blind to promote a reading culture among visually impaired people. The partnership, which was launched on 15 March 2023, will see the UFS providing access to its online library resources for visually impaired people. The South African Library for the Blind will provide training to visually impaired people on how to use the online resources. The partnership is part of the UFS’s commitment to promoting a culture of reading and learning among all members of the community. The university believes that everyone has the right to access information and knowledge, regardless of their ability. “This partnership is a great opportunity for us to make a difference in the lives of visually impaired people,” said Prof. Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS. “We believe that everyone deserves to have access to education and information, and we are committed to making that happen.” The partnership will also see the UFS and the South African Library for the Blind working together to develop new resources and programmes for visually impaired people. These resources will include audiobooks, e-books, and other accessible materials. “We are very excited about this partnership with the UFS,” said Ms. Karen Lötter, Director of the South African Library for the Blind. “We believe that it will make a significant contribution to the lives of visually impaired people in South Africa.” The partnership is expected to benefit over 100,000 visually impaired people in South Africa.