Download PDFThis year Khanya College will host its 16th Jozi Book Fair (JBF) from 18 to 20 October 2024. This special event, first held in 2009, brings readers, writers, activists, schools, working class communities, and progressives together on one platform to talk about important issues affecting them. The theme for this year’s JBF is Literature and Solidarity in Times of Crisis.
The theme allows us to think deeply about the many problems we face today. There is a high level of unemployment, crime, and water shortage in our communities, while we see wars, acts of genocide, and more frequent climate disasters around the world. These issues make life very difficult for many people, especially with more poverty and inequality.
The theme also encourages us to consider dealing with these problems as a collective in our communities, establishing ways of working to find solutions and how we can build solidarity to collectively support each during times of crises.
The main part of the lead up programme to the JBF festival is the “Study Groups” which take place every second Saturday of every month. The study group is important for Khanya College as it promotes a culture of reading and writing and allows the study group to unpack political issues that affect everyone.
We live in a world where reading isn’t common, many people find it difficult to read and they don’t have easy access to books. The “Study Groups” programme helps bring people to read together and understand the world around them.
Reading with others often makes it easier and more enjoyable than reading alone and it allows people to encourage each other to keep going. The JBF is a book fair for working class communities and it also draws in vulnerable groups. Importantly, the “Study Group” programme prepares participants to take part in discussions, seminars, and other activities at the JBF. This involvement ensures that the JBF is not just about showcasing books but also about engaging people in meaningful conversations and collective learning.
The JBF features a lot of activities; there are book launches, performances, exhibitions, and an exciting children’s program. These activities are made to engage people of all ages by making literature accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The JBF is a movement that uses literature to bring activists, communities, orphaned and vulnerable centres, and schools together encouraging activism in communities and beyond, it’s a safe space to reflect on different ways we can work together and towards a better future as a collective.
This article was submitted on 27 August 2024. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
