Masibambisane Centre opens new library in Eldorado Park

Masibambisane Centre opened a new library on May 15, creating a safe space for learning.

The library has good, relevant books that suit children of their age.

The centre previously relied on books donated by the community, but has now received support from the Johannesburg Garden Club, which helped renovate the existing library and donated age-appropriate books for children between six and eighteen years old.

Queen Mphahlele, a social auxiliary worker at Masibambisane, said they previously had a disorganised library, but now have a properly structured space with qualified librarians overseeing it.

ALSO READ: Dobsonville day care centre grows from one classroom into thriving ECD hub

She thanked the Johannesburg Garden Club for initiating the project and said she believes the library will help children improve their reading skills.

Tamara LePine-Williams, the Johannesburg Garden chairperson, said that every year they set a target in conjunction with the manager on what she would like.

“We raised funds to achieve our goal, and we have been able to pay directly for these things”, she said.

Nare Manamela, the centre manager at Masibambisane, said it is a special day for them and the community of Eldorado Park as they celebrate the official opening of the library, describing it as an opportunity for dreams and a brighter future for disadvantaged children from Eldorado Park, Kliptown, and Slovo Park.

She said: “This library is more than a building; it is a place where young minds grow and discover the power of knowledge.”

ALSO READ: Preschoolers at Oratile Day Care Centre share their dream careers

Manamela added that over the past two years they have been working with children from disadvantaged communities, and that learners who completed matric last year have progressed to tertiary education, with two currently doing B.Ed practical training at the centre’s creche—an achievement she described as significant for the organisation.

Mzwanele Nongalaza, the Masibambisane EPWP Coordinator, said he joined Masibambisane as a beneficiary in 2007 when he was in Grade 1 and had a positive experience with the centre.

He said he lost his parents at a young age, but after joining the centre, he felt supported, like he had parental care, even during school trips where Masibambisane covered all related costs.

Nongalaza added that two years after completing matric, the centre offered him a position as an EPWP volunteer, and after a further two years he was promoted to EPWP Coordinator.

Kgothatso Mabang also shared her experience, saying she has been a beneficiary of Masibambisane since 2010, the year her mother passed away, as the centre supports orphans and vulnerable children.

ALSO READ: Littles ones at Good Hope Pre and Day Care Centre have fun

She added that Masibambisane assisted her with stationery and school uniforms, and also supported her grandmother with food parcels.