Local school grateful for library donation
Literacy and numeracy are important contributors in the fight against poverty and inequality.
OR Tambo International Airport donated a container library to Phomolong Primary School in Tembisa on June 18.
This was one of two container libraries donated by the airport company. The second container library was donated to Chivirikani Primary School in Katlehong.
The Gauteng Education MEC, Phanyaza Lesufi, was among the dignitaries present to hand over the library.
“Literacy and numeracy are important contributors in the fight against poverty and inequality. Functional libraries are important resources. It enables and enhances literacy and numeracy outcomes,” said Ms Bongiwe Pityi, the general manger of OR Tambo International Airport.
“There is a shortage of libraries in South Africa, especially in our public schools. It is estimated that over 90 percent of public schools in South Africa do not have functional libraries,” said Ms Pityi.
The donated libraries come with 900 books and four new laptops each.
“This handover is part of our well-structured programme that seeks to empower communities in the vicinity of the airport,” she said.
The investment in education supports government’s agenda of promoting a culture of learning and teaching.
According to the National Development Plan for South Africa, 90 percent of children in grade 6 should be able to read, write and count.
MEC Lesufi applauded OR Tambo International Airport for investing in information and knowledge.
He said the Gauteng Education Department was working towards creating an innovative generation that does not rely on government social grants and government-built RDP houses.
“This is a generation that must compete globally. They will create jobs and ensure that we prosper,” he said.
According to Ms Pityi, international research quoted by Equal Education (EE), an education NGO, shows that school libraries are beneficial to the progress and academic development of pupils.
A stocked, staffed and fully-funded library operating within a school improves students’ reading performance by as much as 8 percent.
“This is going to help our pupils a lot because we know that a reading nation is a winning nation. Our children should be exposed to books other than the books they read for teaching and learning activities,” said the school’s principal, Mr Seabapong Sepeng.
