New Apostolic Church Cape

On Sunday, 5 September 2004, the New Apostolic Church Children’s Choir performed at the opening gala of the 29th World iBbY (International Board on Books for Young People) Congress at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town.

The choir had been invited by the organizers of the event to perform the national anthem as well as four other musical items. The choir consisted of Sunday School children from various congregations in and around Cape Town. They were conducted by Hilton Paterson. Judging from the comments of the organizers and the delegates present, the choir performed at an exceptionally high level and did the church and themselves proud.

Sixty three countries consisting of almost 600 delegates attended the gala opening on Sunday at the Artscape Opera House. The official opening was done by the Deputy Minister of Education, MP, Mr Enver Surty. Mayor Nomaindia Mfeketo welcomed the delegates to Cape Town. iBby was represented by their president, Mr Peter Schneck, while DR Anna Louw, Chair of SACBF (South African Children’s Book Forum) was also present.

The winners of this years Hans Christian Andersen Awards were also presented with their medals at the occasion. They were the author winner Mr Martin Waddell, of Ireland, and the illustrator winner Mr Max Velthuijs, of the Netherlands. Often called the "Little Nobel Prize", the Hans Christian Andersen award is the highest international recognition given to an author and an illustrator of children's books.

The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is a non-profit organization which represents an international network of people from all over the world who are committed to bringing books and children together. IBBY was founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 1953. Today, it is composed of more than sixty-eight National Sections all over the world. IBBY’s mission includes the following:

• to promote international understanding through children's books
• to give children everywhere the opportunity to have access to books with high literary and artistic standards
• to encourage the publication and distribution of quality children's books, especially in developing countries
• to provide support and training for those involved with children and children's literature
• to stimulate research and scholarly works in the field of children's literature