Once upon a time. These are the four words that have forever changed the way I see the world. They were the doorway to an unseen and unknown world for me, taking me on a different adventure every time I lifted up a book; an experience that did not cost me a thing. Indeed, I could travel the world at a flip of a page.

Even without pictures, my imagination was all I needed. I met new people, learnt new words and even discovered some characters that were just like me! As a young girl, I grew up in times that were not easy, but I still recall the emphasis my mother put on education and reading, something that I will forever be grateful for.

Times have changed since then and the world has become so technological. However, I firmly believe that there is no app that can replace having your child sit on your lap and listen to you read. The best gift any parent can give their child is a book. The chance to lose yourself in a little corner under a good book is the ultimate luxury. Children are the future and there is no better way to have them succeed than through reading.

Nothing compares to watching a child go from book to book, hearing the growth in their vocabulary and seeing them develop the ability to better express themselves.

I urge all parents to emphasise the importance of reading, even for just a few minutes each day, as this adds so much to a child’s mental growth. So, why not join me on February 24, 2016, and spend a few minutes reading aloud to the children in your life in celebration of World Read Aloud Day?

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

So let us read to our children so that we may all live happily ever after…

To join Yvonne Chaka Chaka this World Read Aloud Day, click here!