The event marks the culmination of a province-wide literacy campaign aimed at boosting reading proficiency among young people. “The Reja Buka competition encompasses various reading programmes that aim to improve reading skills among school-going children from the age of 9-16 to inculcate the love for reading,” stated the department.

According to the department, the initiative aims to encourage children to understand the importance of reading and the enhancement of formal education, which contributes to improved academic achievements.

The reading and spelling festival will be for three days. Photo: Freepik

Furthermore, the department states the core objective is to improve literacy rates for Free State learners and young adults by instilling a genuine love for reading for pleasure, a critical life skill. 

“Participants were expected to read a wide range of books, mainly fiction books, as the activities for the Reading Festival have been derived from these sources,” said the department

The three-day Reja Buka Reading Festival Competition will feature a diverse schedule of events focusing on both English and Sesotho literacy skills.

Each day will have respective learners from different grades present and competing. Photo: Freepik

Wednesday (15/10) is dedicated to spelling competitions for junior primary learners. The day will include the English spelling bee for Grade 3 and Grade 4 participants, as well as the Sesotho spelling bee for Grade 3 and Grade 4 participants.

Thursday (16/10) continues the competitive streak, focusing on older primary school grades. The schedule features the English spelling bee for Grade 5 and Grade 6 learners. It will also introduce a critical analysis component with the Sesotho Book Review for Grade 5 participants.

Friday (17/10) will highlight higher-level communication and analysis for secondary school grades. The day includes English public speaking for Grade 9 learners. Additionally, the festival will conclude with the English book review for Grade 7 and Grade 8 participants.

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News mvh