Each year in July, South Africans celebrate Mandela’s birth month as a global call for action where people spare 67 minutes of their time by helping others and making a difference towards changing the world for the better.
On 22 July 2016, CUT in partnership with Sherwood and Van Schaik book suppliers made a life changing contribution to Tsholetsang Primary School in Rocklands- Mangaung, by enhancing the school library in support of advancing the education of future leaders and inculcating the culture of reading in young minds. The aim of the project is to give access to information and increase information literacy at schools. In line with vision 2020, CUT recognizes the importance of a library for the school and how knowledge can be applied to bring about the social and technological innovations and solutions for the Central Region.
In his address, Prof. Henk de Jager, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement made a pledge to continue supporting and giving school kids access to reading and learning to increase information literacy so that they can be CUT graduates in the future. “You must make use of this library and study hard because through education and hard work, you can become anything you want in life. Make use of this opportunity and don’t miss a single day of school, CUT is waiting for you,” he said.
Mr Juliano Kabamba, University librarian said that he is ecstatic about the project as it means planting a seed of success in the school and strengthening the ties of collaboration. “What we have put together thus far may not be sufficient to constitute a viable library, but we would like to view our little effort as the beginning of a long term process of laying building blocks that will in due course serve the school well in the future.”
Mr Saemane Walter Mokhele, acting principal at Tsholetsang Primary School expressed his gratitude towards CUT for recognizing and choosing his school as the beneficiary. “As a school, we are thankful to CUT for choosing to spend their 67 minutes with us. Most of the township schools do not have proper facilities and resources but today I am over the moon that my learners have a library. Thank you to all the role players who made it their responsibility to see our dream come true. Our learners now have a library and they will learn how to use the library but most importantly, improve their reading ability and share their knowledge,” he concluded.
Other donated resources include computers, cupboards, shelves, tables, and chairs.
Images
1: University Librarian, Mr Juliano Kabamba showing Grade R learner, Ofentse Seekoe how to use the newly installed computer.
2: CUT Executives and staff with learners, teachers, and the School Governing Body.
3: Take action. Inspire change. Make every day a Mandela day. Grade R Learners Kamohelo Fikweni and Rethabile Macholo read some of the storybooks with CUT Librarian Ms Maki Maile.
Uploaded: 26 July 2016
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