BY LEULSEGED WORKU
Reading is the foundation to create a rational generation that is capable of alleviating conflicts through reason. There is no area where man`s life is not touched by reading. Be it in political affairs, social arenas or economic activities man and books have strong attachments. Several scholars have explained the power of reading in different ways. For instance, Margaret Fuller, a 19thth century American journalist, has been quoted as saying, “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”
Indeed, reading is all about leading oneself and the others as well. A person that reads leads himself/herself and others too. Reading is the most powerful weapon man has got to unlock the gates of wisdom. By taking this into consideration on its 6th round Reading Week, Addis Ababa City Administration Culture, Arts and Tourism Bureau said that it has finalized all the preparations to hold a three day reading event. The Reading Week, which is going to happen at Abrehot Grand Library, starting from December 30-January 1st, is expected to bring several readers, writers, book retailers and other stakeholders.
Culture Division Deputy Head of Bureau Asfaw Legesse said, during the Reading Week all stakeholders: scholars, book retailers, readers, researchers and authors will participate to create awareness and share knowledge on the values of reading to the nation as well as to individual readers. According to him, using the theme “Reading for Reason” the bureau uses all options to create awareness on the significance of reading to create a reasonable generation that cares for itself as well as for the country as a whole.
Asfaw also said, the Reading Week will also serve as a podium to create healthy competition among students, writers and children. “Using the event, students will measure their reading culture, writing talents, aptitudes and others. Whenever we talk about healthy completion we are talking about measuring an individual based on the books S/he reads. Whenever a person prepares himself/herself for an examination or to show the writing skill S/he has got, reading is the best parameter to evaluate one`s capabilities. In this regard, ‘Reading for Reason’ week plays a significant role in measuring potential. ”
Reading books or listening to the wise words of elders is the secret behind most of earthly wisdom. In this regard, listening to elders or reading books builds a generation that can reason out for every problem. According to Asfaw, the Reading Week will also have a significant role in the area of quality education. The more students give their time to reading the more they will develop readiness to face challenges and become reasonable generations.
He also said, organizing such kinds of events have also a key role in bringing the society and books into one podium. Whenever there is a book fair or reading week, there is a trend to visit libraries and exchange ideas. In this regard, the Reading Week is expected to bring different members of the society into one place.
“Reading which is accompanied by reason always ends up with excellence. For instance, we always hear children wishing to become a doctor, an engineer or a pilot. However, this wish will not come into reality if it is not supported by reading. Whenever there is a reason, there is a goal. Whenever there is a goal, there should also be an input to support that goal. In this regard, reading is an input to achieve our vision. Reading is a visa that takes readers to almost everywhere. Depending on the reason behind reading a particular book, the person can go wherever he/she wishes to go. In other words, reading is a ticket that takes us to our destination.”
In his message to the society, Asfaw said that reading culture should not be a onetime agenda or confined to an event that should be marked in times of book fair or other program. It should be a day to day activity. For this very reason, families, educational institutions, NGOs and government institutions have a responsibility in nurturing the culture of reading among the society.
A society that reads could develop a culture of discussion, research and reason out. In this regard, reading should not be taken as an option but as a must action. Whenever we give priority to reading we can consider ourselves civilized. “As the body longs for food when it gets hungry, our mind also longs for knowledge. For this reason, we should develop the culture of reading as part of our life. Reading should not only be our culture in exam seasons but also every season.”
Indeed, reading is not a one-time agenda that should be conducted for the sake of a book fair or to promote newly published books. It should be part and parcel of our daily life. As proven by research, people who read books are better informed than people who do not and are consequently better able to hold their own in society. They are more aware of their surroundings and can envisage themselves more easily in other people’s places. They are more capable of reflecting on their own conduct and on that of others. Reading books lets them acquire a wide range of skills that also make them stand out on the work floor.
In fact, reading books even helps make them more healthy: firstly because people who read books are better informed about topics such as health risks and access to care, and secondly because reading books has a positive effect on the brain. Finally, and not unimportantly: reading books is an exceptionally pleasant pastime that adds to individuals’ happiness and sense of well-being. But where do these effects come from? How is it possible that you can develop these skills by reading books? And why is it important for society?
Over the years, numerous studies have been carried out into the impact of reading books from various scientific disciplines such as literature, psychology, neuropsychology and economics. Combining a large number of such studies together creates a clear overview of the effect that reading books has. The analysis of the available data keeps revealing four themes: being a good member of society and a good employee, health, and a sense of meaningfulness. In this regard, Reading Week, which is organized Addis Ababa City Administration Culture, Arts and Tourism Bureau, is expected to create awareness among readers and other concerned bodies.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 30 DECEMBER 2022
