The City of Johannesburg Libraries is launching the third annual MobiReadathon reading competition for high school pupils under the theme “Online Safety”.
MobiReadathon is a reading development and digital literacy initiative designed to introduce learners to online reading while encouraging the productive use of mobile devices for learning. Participants must register online via the library’s website, www.cojelearning.org.za, download PDF stories or read them online, and complete quizzes to test their comprehension. Winners are selected based on their quiz performance and completion time.
Expanding Access to Indigenous Languages in 2025
In 2024, the MobiReadathon expanded to multiple provinces, reaching over 1 900 pupils. This year, even more provinces have joined, offering learners access to stories in English as well as indigenous languages.
Hosted on the City of Johannesburg Library Services’ eLearning website, this national competition also promotes media literacy through articles and stories on Internet safety, aligning with the Africa Online Safety campaign by Joburg Libraries. Other featured stories include African folklore and true accounts from senior citizens. The competition not only fosters a love for reading but also equips high school learners with essential skills to navigate digital platforms safely.
Competition Phases:
📌 Phase 1 (10 February – 25 April 2025):
- High school learners nationwide are encouraged to register and participate.
- Each province will have a selection of stories available in indigenous languages.
- Semifinalists will be selected from all participating provinces, and the high school with the highest number of participants will win a provincial prize.
đź“Ś Phase 2 (Post-25 April 2025):
- Top-performing Grade 8 learners from each participating school will be selected for the finals.
- New stories will be assigned to prepare them for the final round.
- Finals will take place after 20 June 2025 at central venues selected by participating municipalities.
A Growing Initiative
Since its pilot in 2022 with just 55 learners, the MobiReadathon has gone from strength to strength, attracting schools from rural areas and gaining recognition within international library communities. The programme enhances both basic and digital literacy while demonstrating the power of intergovernmental collaboration, where municipalities share knowledge and resources to drive community learning and development.
The competition is proudly sponsored by Pick n Pay School Club.
Get Involved
To register your school, visit www.cojelearning.org.za and encourage learners to take part.
For enquiries, email enquiries@cojelearning.org.za or jeffny@joburg.org.za, or contact your local library to find out if your school is participating.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
