Leaders Are Readers: a day of literacy and culture at West End Primary
Recently, tiny voices echoed loudly with power across West End Primary School, located in the heart of Mitchells Plain, in Lenteguer, as 1,700 learners immersed themselves in the Living Through Learning (LTL) International Literacy & Heritage Day celebration.
With the theme “Leaders Are Readers”, the day was a joyful celebration of reading, culture, and imagination, where books came alive and young minds took flight.
The learners were treated to a special reading from storyteller Gcina Mhlophe and the event was hosted by singer and reading champion Anslin Gysman, who inspired the children to see literacy not just as a skill, but as a doorway to adventure, knowledge, and leadership.
The day was filled with cultural performances, creative showcases, and moments of awe as learners shared their love of reading and storytelling.
For Gysman, literacy is deeply personal. “The concept of literacy is very important to me,” he said. “We are striving to get kids across all spectrums to read and not only to read, but to read with understanding and comprehension. I know the difference access to books and resources can make, because I was once that child, desperate to read and explore, but without the tools to do so.”
“Giving a learner the ability to read for understanding opens up a world far beyond their own, a place where imagination can soar and possibilities become endless. That’s the power of literacy,” he said.
Gysman was particularly moved by the learners’ participation. “When a little boy read the thank-yous with such eloquence, I couldn’t help but tear up because I could relate to that hungry boy who wanted to know more about this world. Being part of a group that gives kids that access meant the world to me.”
Principal Clive Arries reflected on the significance of the day and the broader Heritage Month celebrations:
“As we launch the Readers Are Leaders Programme during Heritage Month, we recognise something profound: literacy is not just about reading words on a page, it’s about reading our world, understanding our stories, and preserving the rich heritage that flows through the veins of our community. The vision of our school is, after all, ‘Creating Opportunities for our Community’.
“Our West End learners represent a beautiful mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. In our school, we hear Afrikaans, English, isiXhosa, and even sign language. Every language carries within it centuries of wisdom, folklore, and history. When our children learn to read, they don’t just decode text they unlock the treasure chests of their ancestors’ stories.
“Heritage Month reminds us that literacy has always been at the heart of our community’s journey. From the oral traditions passed down by our grandparents to the written records that document our struggles and victories, reading and storytelling have shaped who we are as South Africans.”
The school committed to not only nurture the learners ability to read but to nurture the love therefor too and to help learners discover that books are not just a collection of words but collections of world waiting to be explored. They also committed to expand both libraries to have more seating spaces.
Teacher Nikita Felix, believes setting a solid foundation for young children to read sets them up for a successful future.
“We are starting at the basics and showing the learners that readers are leaders.”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za