By Our Correspondent, Mbarali
Parents and guardians in Mbeya Region are being urged to actively sit with their children and promote a reading culture at home, as part of broader efforts to boost literacy and academic performance across communities.
Chris Lameck, a Tanzanian book author and organiser of children’s reading competitions based in the Czech Republic, issued the call during a recent reading event held in Mahango Ward, Mbarali District.
“A society that reads is a society that grows,” said Lameck, adding that “I urge parents to make time and read with their children. This simple habit increases understanding, strengthens family bonds, and lays the groundwork for long-term educational success.”
The reading event brought together dozens of children and parents, and featured interactive activities including storytelling, literacy games, and competitions.
Edgar Mlawa, Chairperson of the Mama na Mtoto (Mother and Child) organisation, said they are engaging women at the household level to support literacy through parenting. He noted the organisation is seeking government support to scale up the initiative.
“We have received materials to help mothers teach their children at home,” Mlawa said. “With support from the government, we believe we can make a real impact and help shape a generation that values reading.”
Veronica Ndeshiga, the organisation’s secretary, said the reading competition was designed to assess progress among children enrolled in their community-based classes.
“We monitor development through participation, and competitions like these give us insights into what is working and what needs improvement,” she explained.
However, organisers noted challenges remain. Some children had lost interest in reading due to lack of guidance at home. But the competitive nature of the event reignited enthusiasm, according to Ndeshiga.
Mahango Primary School pupil Frank Kachulu, one of the participants, said reading has helped him expand his understanding of school subjects and life in general.
“Books help us prepare for the future. They make us smarter and more confident,” he said.
Alongside reading activities, the event included traditional games such as tug of war and spoon-and-egg races. Winners received exercise books, school bags, bicycles and pencils as incentives to continue reading.
The initiative is part of a growing movement in Tanzania aimed at transforming early childhood literacy through parental involvement and community-led interventions.