Tlamatlama Primary School gets new library

SHOUT Foundation handed over a new library to Tlamatlama Primary School learners on November 13.

The campaign was led by the Shout co-founders Danny K and Kabelo Mabalane who engaged with the youth on the day of the library’s opening.

The foundation partnered with Steers to raise R2-million through the sale of Shout burgers in a quest to build libraries in needy communities.

Speaking on behalf of the two organisations Sam Mabaso said Tlamatlama Primary School was one of the beneficiaries that received a fully equipped library from the Shout campaign.

“As Steers and as Shout we are behind the growth of childhood literacy. We want underprivileged communities to know we are behind everything they do and that we do not neglect children and the education system. We need children to read because it is good for their future,” said Mabaso.

She said in 2016 Steers and the Shout Foundation partnered in a bid to make a real difference by calling on the public to help sell a million burgers.

“Consumers responded in their numbers with proceeds from the sales going towards building S.E.E.D libraries that are now erected to support high levels of childhood illiteracy in disadvantaged communities.”

Co-founder of Shout Foundation Kabelo Mabalane said Tlamatlama Primary School’s library was the seventh library to be built by the foundation.

“Shout started ten years ago as a crime-fighting NGO to put messages out there against crime and we felt that the best way to deal with crime is to educate our children. That is why we are launching this library today,” said Mabalane.

He said they have built such libraries in different townships and in different provinces using all the money Steers raised through selling Shout burgers.

Steers’ marketing executive Adolf Fourie said that in today’s age, businesses need to invest in the communities they operate in as this offers them a licence to operate.

“For this reason we are passionate about giving back to the community in which we operate, and being involved in the investment of our future consumers, employees and brand influencers. We believe in igniting the passion of SA’s youth. Through this library, we hope to create a safe space for young people to dream, learn and be inspired about the future of this amazing country we live in. We are hoping this will at least inspire pupils to become the future teachers, artists, engineers, astronauts or doctors,” he said.

Tlamatlama Primary School’s principal Steven Dire said it is exciting to be the beneficiary of the new library because as a school they always insist their children should become readers and writers.

“They must become thinkers and doers as well. With the variety of books here we believe our vision and our mission will be realised,” said Dire.

He said the school is looking forward to children using the library for their projects and using the available resource materials to try and innovate to improve the quality of their work.

“We hope that as time goes by, this will not only be a library for Tlamatlama Primary School learners but a library for the people of Tembisa,” said Dire.

Shout was supported by key stakeholders including CSX, Breadline Africa, Abacus Space Solutions and Network BBDO.