The MobiReadathon Digital Reading Development Programme is an innovative project aimed at introducing high school youth to reading (and writing) tools available on digital platforms using mobile devices.

The programme started in 2022 by the City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services (CoJLIS) and has since expanded to cover other municipalities across the country.

On Wednesday, 25 June 2025, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Library hosted the online reading finals and prize giving ceremony of the school competition under the theme ‘Partnerships for Progress: Digital Reading and Writing Development’ that saw 10 schools compete for the top prize.

Programme Director Jeff Nyoka, Manager: eLearning and Library Applications, CoJ Library and Information Services added that reading using technology supported digital literacy.

“We are now living in the digital era. We noted during the pandemic that schools started to introduce eLearning but teachers did not often have enough support to get into that space. So as Library Services we introduced this programme that uses technology for reading purposes. Digital Literacy also serves as a separate programme that our Libraries do through reading development and computer usage.”

For the competition, schools across the province are encouraged to enter the first phase where a reading campaign takes place. Thereafter the top learners from the top performing schools enter the competition.

“Learners get to interact with devices and fill in forms, download apps and quiz questions as they learn to navigate online platforms in addition to encouraging reading. The 10 schools chosen then bring their 10 top performing learners to compete. We work with Grade 8 learners as they are beginning their high school journey and are being introduced to various technological learning methods.”

This is the second year that the UJ Library hosts the competition (now in its third year) as part of their community enrichment programme.

The learners started the competition with a QR Code Reading Challenge followed by the Main Quiz and a Reading for Meaning session. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls came out tops as overall winners.

The CoJLIS has partnered with the UJ Library for many projects including change management training for their staff and publishing of their official book.

Mr Nyoka said that part of the CoJLIS’s digital transformation plan was to have beneficial partnerships with institutions like UJ.

“Being able to leverage skills and resources is important. We also get to expose the learners to higher learning institutions and bring them into environments like the Library where they may one day find themselves furthering their studies.”

“The UJ Library is proud to partner with the City Libraries to foster a culture of reading from an early age. Together, we aim to inspire a lifelong love for books among school learners and support literacy development in our communities,” said Mrs Theodorah Modise, Events Coordinator for the Library and Information Centre.

She added: “This collaboration not only strengthens the shared commitment to education but also embraces digital innovation as a tool for positive societal impact. By combining resources and expertise, UJ is creating meaningful opportunities that extend beyond the university, making knowledge more accessible, inclusive, and transformative.”