New library opens at Luyolo Primary as community celebrates Youth Day

Learners, parents and members of the community gathered at Luyolo Primary School in Emdeni to celebrate Youth Day and the opening of a newly renovated library aimed at promoting literacy and learning.

Luyolo Primary School, based in the Emdeni area of Soweto, commemorated Youth Day by organising an exciting gathering attended by learners, parents, teachers and other members of the community on June 12.

The occasion was made even more special by the official launch of the school’s newly renovated library.

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The Youth Day commemoration was also combined with educational activities aimed at promoting literacy and empowering young people through access to books.

School principal Mrs Sibanyoni Nyameko expressed her gratitude to Mantombi Nkosi and her team for transforming the school’s library.

“I am so grateful to Mantombi Nkosi and her team. When they first approached us with the idea of renovating the library, I was sceptical. Then in January she said, ‘Mam, we are ready,’ and they delivered on their promise,” said Nyameko.

She added that the renovation of the library was completed using the resources of Nkosi’s team. Nyameko also took the opportunity to mention some of the challenges faced by young people in the modern world.

“As a community, we have a lot that we have to do. Our youth are lost because of drugs. To learners who do not listen to their teachers, remember that if you listen to your teachers, you will not be tempted by negative influences outside. Protect yourself and get informed before doing anything,” she said.

She further noted that despite the significance of Youth Day as a celebration, it is also a time to reflect on the problems young people encounter.

“We are celebrating this day at a time when many young people face challenges like unemployment and substance abuse,” she said.

Addressing learners during the launch, Seth Makotoko, senior education specialist for library services at the Gauteng Department of Education, encouraged learners to make full use of the new facility.

“This library is your new gateway. Read to lead. Use it to build your vocabulary, expand your critical thinking and discover new ideas,” he said.

Makotoko called on the learners to take good care of the library resources and facilities so that future learners could also benefit from them.

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“This is a gift that you must protect and respect because it is for the sake of the classes to come after you. Respect this legacy because the youth of 1976 died so that you can have an education. Respect them through reading every day,” he added.

Among the guest speakers at the event was Mantombi Nkosi, founder of the Moving Spirits Book Club.
“We have been working with this school through literacy programmes. I usually say that reading is my superpower,” said Nkosi.

She stated that the Moving Spirits Book Club was created as part of a liberation movement, with the objective of creating spaces where young people can engage in reading and writing activities.

“One of the things that we realised in township schools is that libraries become classrooms or offices because of overcrowding. This was something that we did not like. Reading is not for a specific group of people; reading should be for all, and accessibility is key,” she said.

Nkosi said that another way to help close the gap in education is through building and renovating libraries.

The next segment of the programme comprised various Youth Day performances by the learners.

After enjoying a meal, learners took part in activities that celebrated the spirit of Youth Day through music, dance, poetry and cultural performances.
These performances entertained parents, educators and guests while showcasing the learners’ talents.