A LIBRARY is not only a quiet place where pupils can do research or read books, watch movies or do drawings.
It is also a place where you can get away from the daily noise and just relax.
Libraries form an important part of every pupil and person’s education and wellbeing, so when your school doesn’t have one, it leaves a big gap. This was the case for many years at Mdelwa Hlongwane Primary in Pimville, Soweto.
Thanks to a partnership by Liberty and School Aid South Africa the wait is over.
They donated over 1 000 books to the school.
Sibongile Khoza, principal of Mdelwa Hlongwane Primary, said the children were unable to do their work properly because they did not have a library before.
“We only had a computer room. We then decided to turn half of the computer room into a library.”
She said some of their computers are working although they are outdated.
Not only did the school get books this year, but over 300 needy pupils also got school uniforms and shoes in May. Liberty also painted the whole school.
Eva Mlangeni, one of directors of School Aid South Africa, said their aim is to fill up Mzansi school libraries with books so that children are knowledgeable.
They will be donating books to two schools in Ekurhuleni and Pretoria before the end of the year.
Xolisa Vapi, director for corporate affairs at Liberty, said walking through the library opened up a whole new world and many opportunities for pupils.
Vapi said the donation was part of their company’s corporate social investment projects to improve learning and teaching.
Thato Mpotulo (13), a grade 7 pupil, said she was happy for the newly established library.
Ntokozo Mdlalose (12), also in grade 7, said their library was bright and the environment was welcoming, adding that she couldn’t wait to visit the library every day.
Chantel Nhaquila (13) said she wanted to read more books and know more about what is happening around her.
She dreams of becoming a medical doctor to save people’s lives.
“I don’t want to see people die because they did not get medical help. I love to watch TLC and Discovery where I can see doctors helping people.”
