SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT SPARKS A LOVE FOR READING AMONG CYCC YOUTH

By Lorato Modisenyane

•⁠ ⁠Reading for Empowerment: The Department’s Book Club initiative utilises storytelling to foster confidence, literacy, and critical thinking among CYCC youth.
•⁠ ⁠Youth Voices at the Forefront: Children shared personal reflections from books, demonstrating growth in self-awareness and public speaking.
•⁠ ⁠Encouraging a Reading Culture: Staff and leaders promoted reading as a lifelong habit and a tool for identity formation and connection.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development marked its second annual World Book Day Commemoration on Saturday with a vibrant and inspiring event held at the Desmond Tutu Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) in the Northern Corridor.
Celebrated globally on April 23rd, World Book Day encourages the love of reading and storytelling. This year, the Department used the occasion to ignite a passion for literature among children from various CYCCs through its expanding Book Club initiative. The event’s theme centred on book analysis and knowledge sharing to enhance vocabulary, critical thinking, and global awareness.
Children participated in dynamic reading sessions, where they reviewed selected books and shared their personal takeaways. These moments of reflection promoted not just literacy but also self-expression, confidence, and peer learning.
Sithembile Ndlovu, a Child and Youth Care Worker at Desmond Tutu CYCC encouraged the children to build consistent reading habits.
“Make it a habit to read at least two books per week,” she advised. “Ask Youth Care Workers to take you to the library, and always share what you’ve read with your peers—it might inspire them to read too.”
Simphiwe Nzama, Assistant Director for Institutions, emphasised the power of reading as both an educational and cultural tool.
“Reading builds linguistic skills and helps children understand diversity. People still learn through stories—whether in theatre, books, or real life. Make reading fashionable and learn to speak confidently.”
Several children courageously took the stage to share their reflections on the books they had read:
•⁠ ⁠Tiro Molefe from Desmond Tutu CYCC shared her thoughts on BFFs: Stage Fright by Holly Robins, saying the book taught her the value of kindness and caring for others.
•⁠ ⁠Sizwe Ndlovu, also from Desmond Tutu CYCC, reflected on Golden Windows by Adele Geras and highlighted the importance of knowing one’s roots and nurturing family bonds.
•⁠ ⁠Girly Maseko from Don Mattera CYCC discussed Young Women by Jonathan and Ana Gallagher, focusing on self-awareness and identity. She challenged her peers with a profound question:
“If given a minute to describe yourself, what would you say? Are you caring, kind, wise, and thoughtful? If you don’t know who you are, how can anyone else?”
The event stood as a powerful reminder of the transformative role books can play in a young person’s life. By cultivating a culture of reading, the Department is empowering children to explore new worlds, discover their identities, and build brighter futures.
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of the children.