World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated annually on April 23 to honour literature and reading around the world.
The theme for this year is “Indigenous Languages”.
Education Minister, Aseri Radrodro on April 23 wished students, teachers, authors, families and friends are happy World Book and Copyright Day.
The theme for this year according to the Ministry of Education statement advocates linguistic diversity and multilingualism.
The Ministry stated that libraries may be sites for engaging communities, listening and working together to preserve and give access to indigenous knowledge, language and culture in a culturally appropriate and community-determined manner.
“The main aim of this celebration is to provide an opportunity for all not only to consider libraries as their favourite learning place and books as their best friends, but also to get connected with the world of knowledge and the minds of great authors,” the Ministry stated.
“UNESCO’s General Conference in 1995 acknowledged April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day to pay honour to authors and books, and motivate all to access books through libraries. The primary purpose of this important day is to encourage reading, publishing, and protecting the rights of authors through copyright.
“Writers are also encouraged by UNESCO to yield knowledge in the form of books to enhance literacy, eradicate poverty and foster peace.”
Schools and public libraries will organise their own celebrations to mark the special day.
The Ministry stated that schools and public libraries had been requested to celebrate the event by conducting activities like poster displays, poetry or recitals, book character parades, book mark competitions, quizzes, creative writing, book swaps, and the like, to create awareness of the prominence day and to promote literacy in the indigenous languages.
During the commemoration, the school library project funded by the AUSFIJI facility will be launched at Loreto Primary School in Levuka Ovalau.
Ninety four schools are expected to benefit under the project at the end of this financial year.
