A project with a passion for promoting reading and learning

By Jillian Viljoen

In collaboration with the UKZN PMB subject librarians.

Thanks to Rose Kuhn and Renee Damonse for taking the photos.

When the request was made by the principal, Mr Ndlovu, for the librarians at the UKZN PMB library to assist with creating a library at the Grange Primary School, the librarians eagerly agreed. This was an opportunity to engage meaningfully in community outreach. It also promoted the sustainable development goal, SDG 4, which is “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”.

It took months of preparation and planning. A book donation campaign was marketed on the University Notices, bookshelves and chairs were donated by the PMB Main Library, and the invitation to the official opening and the program were created. Many dook donations were received from the University community (nearly 500 books were donated and 50 bookends), Shuter & Shooter, Dr Phindile Dlamini at the UKZN Press who is also an author of children’s books, and Mr Jay Rangiah from Hargraves Library Service. Mr Ndlovu and his team, worked tirelessly to set up the library. All this hard work culminated in a successful event on Mandela Day, 18 July 2024, which was live-streamed, https://fb.watch/totgUxR07b/?mibextid=RUbZ1f.

L-R: Mr Ndlovu, the principal; Mrs Dlamini, the Education Department circuit manager; Ms Aphelele Xulu, Acting Senior Library Manager (UKZN Library Services); Dr Praversh Sukram, Senior Library Manager (UKZN Library Services); Mr Reddy, the school Media teacher.

Mrs Dlamini, the education circuit manager, gave a motivational presentation and encouraged the learners to pursue education and learning. The keynote speaker was Dr Praversh Sukram, the senior library manager at the PMB library. He highlighted the importance of libraries and reading. A few learners read poems, read a short story, and expressed their appreciation of the library. In his vote of thanks, Mr Ndlovu thanked everyone who contributed to the successful creation of the library. Light refreshments were served after the event.

Mr Ndlovu and his team created a wonderful library that will motivate and mould creative minds. Don’t these photos convey a space where reading and learning will be nurtured?

The learners wrote a message with the foam pieces on the floor: : ‘Nelson Mandela Day at the Grange Primary School: it will be given to him who tries’.

Shelves and books donated by the UKZN PMB Library and University community

L-R: Ms Aphelele Xulu, Acting Senior Library Manager (UKZN Library Services) and Ms Goitsemang Ncongwane the principal librarian of the PMB subject librarian unit. The display shelves donated by the UKZN PMB Library are on the left

The UKZN librarians from L-R: Dr Praversh Sukram; Ms Celeste Johns, Ms Jabulile Sibisi-Mshengu; Ms Aphelele Xulu; Ms Jillian Viljoen; Ms Goitsemang Ncongwane; Ms Rosemary Kuhn; Mr Eric Mchunu; Ms Renee Damonse; Mr Simon Shezi; Ms Shorba Harkhu

The UKZN library staff, school staff, and other guests

Ribbon across the entrance of the library

The librarians returned to the campus to prepare for the visit of fifty-four Grade 7’s and 6 staff. The learners were welcomed and given an interactive talk on libraries in general, and at school and tertiary level. They were also encouraged to pursue their studies to tertiary level. There was a fun quiz, based on the talk, where 8 learners won yo-yo’s. The excitement was palpable. After the talk, the learners were taken in groups on a tour of the library. They expressed their surprise at how many books and journals were in the library. The library space was much larger than their school library and that contrast was not lost on them. The learners were given goodie bags including snacks and stationery when they left.

Receiving the goodie bags

The smiles on the learners’ faces when they left made all the hard work worthwhile. After all, promoting reading and learning was our passion in this project. The learners’ reactions confirmed that we had met that goal.

It was apt that the official opening took place on Mandela Day as Nelson Mandela was passionate about reading. He was quoted as saying, “When we read we are able to travel to many places, meet many people and understand the world.” These words are so true as the pages of every book have the ability to transport us anywhere and expand our knowledge and horizons. This project made this quote a reality for this school and we are proud to have been a part of this very important journey.

 

References:

United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Sustainable development goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals  [Accessed on 18-07-2024].