Ntshawini’s knowledge ‘kitchen’ open for business
The literacy drive was welcomed by the residents who have to travel to KwaDukuza town or Shakaskraal to borrow a book.
What used to be a fast-food hot spot in Ntshwini township, is now a centre of knowledge for children.
This comes after Slongiwe Bennie gave up the shack that she used as a kitchen for her business, so that she and two young men, Wandile Shezi and Mthokozisi Msweli, could start the small library.
“I think I am just a cool township aunt because Msweli and Shezi used to be my regular customers and they used to stop and chat. We realised that we share the same passion for uplifting our township. So as a start, I decided to celebrate my 40th birthday in August, with a literacy drive. We saw how our young ones were thirsty for knowledge and that is how the idea to open this library was born,” said Bennie.
The literacy drive was welcomed by the residents who have to travel to KwaDukuza town or Shakaskraal to borrow a book.
The small library is opened on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and weekends and for now, they have books only for grade R pupils. Children come to the library after school and whoever is at the library will read stories to them, play games and teach them how to spell.
“We welcome those who want to be helped with homework and the most popular game for them is scrabble, which helps a lot when it comes to spelling,” said Bennie.
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She said as they get more books they will accommodate the older school pupils and hopefully, they will get a bigger venue.
Currently, their library can accommodate about 30 children and on weekends the little library gets quite overcrowded.
“We hope to get a container so we are able to have furniture and shelves for the books.”
To formalize their project, the three passionate adults opened a non-profit organisation called Ukukhanyazwe Youth Development Services.
“We have also started a boys mentorship programme, where we talk with them about the challenges they face. Most of our children do not have fathers. Either they have died, are in prison or they are just absent from their child’s life. The programme is called Umfowethu (My Brother) #RaisingTheKings.
“The support we get from the residents is priceless. Thank you.”
If you want to donate books, furniture or help to get them a container, you can contact Bennie at 078 476 2032 or Msweli at 083 780 1387.
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