Youth Celebrate Words and Signs | Western Cape Government

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Youth Celebrate Words and Signs

20 June 2016

On 17 June 2016 the Language Service of the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) partnered with the National Library of South Africa to Celebrate Words and Signs as part of the DCAS Youth Month activities at the Centre for the Book in Cape Town.

Learners from the Dominican School for Deaf Children and the Noluthando School for the Deaf officially opened the event by performing the African Union and National Anthems in Sign Language.

Learners from the Isiphiwo, Luleka and Ludwe Ngamlana Primary Schools passionately joined members of the Elfies, Masivuke, Intshinga and Gugs Young Book Clubs and participated in the multilingualism activities. Representatives of DEAFSA, PanSALB, the Western Cape Language Committee (WCLC) and other stakeholders of the language network in the province united with the youth in storytelling and reading. The activities also raised awareness around South African Sign Language (SASL).

Director of the Centre for the Book Mandlakayise Matyumza motivated youth to read and said “you get knowledge and information from words”. He encouraged the audience to become registered members of their local libraries.

The powerful message to the youth by WC Cultural Commission Member Bulelwa Basse was that the future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams. “Chance favours the prepared mind”, she said.

The event was an excellent example of social inclusivity; especially when the vibrant marimbas unified the excited youth and the distinguished stakeholders in the historical domed building with its amazing sound quality.

DCAS promotes multilingualism. Our youth should participate in and learn through these activities. Let us create a well-informed, socially inclusive province, BETTER TOGETHER.

Media Enquiries: 
Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za