TOYS are a critical part of how children learn. They use toys as symbols to understand how to interact with the world.
But toys are often expensive and children do not like sharing them.
The Eskom Development Foundation understands why children need toys. So it built a toy library for children at Cotlands in the Mashishing Thusong Service Centre in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga.
The special library is a place where the children can stay safe and play, away from the dangerous streets and criminals.
The boys and girls from this community can visit the library to read as well as play with toys.
The library has been open since 2013. It’s where visitors can read and do work as well compose and rehearse with the centre’s music equipment.
When SunEducation visited the centre last week there were children playing while some were reading and others were playing music.
Bongani Sithole (8), said whether it is raining or shining, he visits the library and meets his friends.
“It’s boring at home so I’m here all the time. I usually read and look at animal drawings.”
Nhlanhla Kabi (12) and others said they make use of the learning materials available at the Cotlands centre.
About 40% of young Mzansi children grow up in poverty with a lack of care. Children who are raised in such underresourced houses and communities are at risk of malnourishment, stunted growth, poor adjustment to school, learning difficulties, repeating grades and having a higher school drop out rate.
