Minister’s challenge met!
At the beginning of the National Year of Reading in Wales, the Education Minister Jane Hutt challenged the people of Wales to arrange 2,008 reading events and activities throughout the year. The public responded with great enthusiasm and set about organising a wide range of events which has seen the target met and passed.
The Welsh Assembly Government designated 2008 as the National Year of Reading in Wales to highlight the importance of reading and literacy amongst the people of Wales and the Welsh Books Council was invited to coordinate the year and to work with a number of key partners in particular the Education and Libraries services as well as the voluntary and business sectors.
The 2008th winning event took place in November and was organised and chaired by Alison Walker of the Welsh Video Network. Bethan Gwanas, the popular contemporary Welsh author was invited to speak to an audience linked up via a video network.
The event was aimed at Welsh learners, and 75 people took part in 11 videoconference studios right across Wales, from Coleg Llandrillo in the north to Cardiff University in the south. The event linked school classes, Welsh adult learners' groups and Higher Education students.
Bethan was an entertaining and amusing speaker – who engaged brilliantly with the wide variety of age groups represented. The event was a great success.
Delyth Humphreys, Co-ordinator of the National Year of Reading in Wales commented "We are thrilled that the target has been met and that so many events have been held throughout Wales during the year. It shows that everyone has taken the message on board and spread the word that reading is not only fun but a fundamental tool in everyday life."
Jane Hutt, the Education Minister said "I am delighted that the year has been so successful and hope that everyone continues on with the good work next year. Reading is one of the most important skills people need and the most important building block for educational achievement and equality of opportunity."
"This Year of Reading, with all its activities and events, has been a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of reading and to celebrate the joy and pleasure from the written word."
Education Minister Jane Hutt met with Alison Walker and Sue Mace, the organisers of the winning event, to congratulate them on being the Year of Reading’s 2,008th event. Alison is Welsh Video Network’s Learning and Development Coordinator and Sue is the Development Officer for the Wales Higher Education Libraries Forum.
Alison Walker commented "It was a great event and everyone who took part really enjoyed it. Bethan Gwanas was a wonderful speaker who engaged with the audience and the Welsh learners found it extremely beneficial. "
The National Year of Reading in Wales has brought together people from all across Wales to share the joy of reading. A wide range of activities have taken place as part of the year ranging from Give a Book Week, Reading Communities initiatives to the establishment of 50 book clubs for young people.
