Schools benefit from minister’s campaign
“Access to libraries creates and sustains a reading culture. The value of libraries in terms of support of literacy, education, and the principle of lifelong learning forms an integral part of our modern democracy.”
KANYAMAZANE – Two Mpumalanga schools are among the beneficiaries of the 1000 School Libraries a Year Campaign launched by the minister of basic education, Ms Angie Motshekga, in July this year.
The MEC for education in the province, Ms Reginah Mhaule, opened a new library in Sitintile Secondary School in KaNyamazane in September 21. Tenteleni Primary School also received a library and a maths centre.
The opening was part of the minister’s nationwide campaign. It seeks to build, refurbish and resource 1 000 school libraries a year across the country. The MEC pointed out that public libraries were fundamental to the development and upliftment of communities.
“Access to libraries creates and sustains a reading culture. The value of libraries in terms of support of literacy, education, and the principle of lifelong learning forms an integral part of our modern democracy,” she said.
She was accompanied by the MEC for culture, sport and recreation, Ms Nora Mahlangu-Mabena and the executive mayor of Mbombela Local Municipality, Cllr Sibusiso Mathonsi. The project will also create employment opportunities for excelling pupils in the area. They will receive temporary jobs as library assistants.
Mhaule also said that although it is a sad that the number of illiterate people in the country is high, doing something about it is very comforting. According to her, the department is intent on eradicating illiteracy while at the same time offering sustainable development at all fronts.
The Department of Education has also collaborated with I’langa Mall in the Book Flood campaign. It pleads with individuals, organisations and companies to donate books and other reading materials.
