Primary school gets library from OR Tambo International Airport
The airport’s Back to School campaign is aligned with the Department of Basic Education’s Read to Lead campaign, launched in 2015 which focuses on the improvement of children’s reading abilities.
OR Tambo International Airport has kicked off its Back to School campaign by donating a fully functional library with education packs to Peter Zongwane Primary School in Phomolong on April 13.
“School libraries are the heart of every school.
“They provide essential resources and opportunities for learners to thrive and be successful. Sadly, more than 90 per cent of public schools don’t have access to functional libraries and there is a severe shortage of school libraries across the country,” says Leigh Gunkel-Keuler, spokesperson for OR Tambo International Airport.
“It, therefore, gives us great pleasure to be able to make a difference in the lives of children, particularly those that live and learn so close to us.”
The 366 foundation phase learners of Peter Zongwane Primary School received packs consisting of an abacus, A4 whiteboard and duster, a subject sorter bag, a colouring book, pencils, eraser, wax crayons and puzzles.
Through a partnership with Awesim Solar, the learners were also given solar powered homework lights.
The Back to School campaign launch had an additional special element: Through a partnership with Ster-Kinekor and Specsavers, 100 learners had the opportunity to have their eyes tested and those with visual impairment will be issued with free spectacles.
“Our Back to School campaign demonstrates our continued commitment to communities in and around the airport precinct by touching thousands of underprivileged school children through the donation of items that aid in their development and schooling,” says Gunkel-Keuler.
The airport’s Back to School campaign is aligned with the Department of Basic Education’s Read to Lead campaign, launched in 2015 which focuses on the improvement of children’s reading abilities.
The campaign aims to ensure that all learners are able to demonstrate age-appropriate levels of reading by 2019.
“We cannot emphasise enough the importance of reading and OR Tambo International Airport supports this key national objective. We must continue to invest in our future leaders and nurture them so that we produce a skilled workforce that is transformed and empowered,” said Gunkel-Keuler.
Peter Zongwane Primary School principal Tsakani Chidi said they are grateful for the library donation.
“OR Tambo International Airport has opened many doors for our learners in terms of learning about various cultures, countries and many others. It is a pleasure in disguise for our school to be one of the beneficiaries of O.R. Tambo International Airport because a fully functional library was one of the things we needed most. Our learners will now have access to information and it will give them an opportunity and courage to learn how to read on a daily basis,” added Chidi.
Chidi said they will make sure that they instill discipline in the library and teach the learners how to care and look after the library.
Learners shared their excitement with the visitors when they performed various educational activities.
