PRINCE Seeiso Bereng Seeiso has called on Basotho to adopt a reading culture in order to be well informed and increase their knowledge.
The royal made the call at the World Book and Copyright Day commemorations in Matsieng on Friday.
He said that a reading culture was extremely important to create a knowledgeable well-informed nation rather than one that simply studied to pass examinations.
Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso also called upon the relevant authorities to ensure books were readily accessible and enjoyable for learners.
Lesotho National Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Director General, Palesa Monts’i echoed Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso’s sentiments, adding, the country should strive to promote the reading culture among young people and underprivileged members of society as a way of spreading knowledge and inspiring them.
Royal Archives Board chairperson, Tefetso Mothibe said books were valuable sources of knowledge that should be treasured. He said the Royal Archives and Museum contained several informative documents for the benefit of Basotho and the rest of the world.
UNESCO Commission chairperson, Professor Matšeliso Moshoeshoe-Chadzingwa said books were important for educational, cultural, development and scientific progress, adding Basotho should visit libraries and use the internet for access to reading material.
For his part, the headmaster of Mahloenyeng High School, Mr Nts’upuoa Lephoto said schools should be equipped with libraries to enable learners to access books.
He also said technical gadgets like mobile phones were also useful and should therefore be allowed in schools with the necessary control measures to ensure they benefitted students in learning.
Meanwhile, the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO handed over an internet facility and two computers to the Royal Archive at the commemorations.
The World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated annually on 23 April in remembrance of the deaths of major authors, William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes.
Through this day, UNESCO also seeks to promote reading, publishing and the protection of copyright.– LENA
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