Life will never be the same for learners at Masivuke Primary School in Browns Farm, Philippi, after the school launched a new library on Tuesday, 10 March. The library was donated by the Cotton On Foundation in partnership with The Bookery.
The Cotton On Foundation is the group’s philanthropic arm focused on empowering youth globally through the delivery of quality education projects.
Cotton On Foundation manager Acanda Jaswa said they worked with various organisations to refurbish the library. She said Cotton On was the primary funder of the project.
“We fund youth projects across the country. We build and refurbish schools. As a foundation, we prioritise education. The Bookery is working with many schools and has a list of schools that need assistance. We raise funds to support our projects,” said Jaswa.
More than 4,000 books and 16 laptops donated
She added that the foundation donated more than 4 000 books and 16 laptops to the school. The Bookery also trained the school’s librarians. According to Jaswa, the refurbishment of the library took six months to complete.
Library donation supports literacy development
Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier described the new library as an important asset to the school, saying it will help improve literacy among learners.
“Reading will improve your values, honesty, confidence and tolerance. When you improve literacy at primary school level, you improve learning outcomes all the way to matric and beyond. Library services are a direct investment in improving learning outcomes,” said Maynier.
“If we don’t get early learning right, we won’t get education right. And if we don’t get education right, we won’t get South Africa right.”
He also expressed gratitude to the Cotton On Foundation and its partners for helping make the dream of Masivuke learners a reality. Maynier added that Masivuke Primary School is “the warmest primary school” he has visited in the province.
School principal Luyanda Ngcuka said they are thrilled about the new facility.
“We are over the moon. This library is an investment in the future learning of our learners. It can change the behaviour and mindset of children and the way they approach their studies. I believe our learners will improve in their subjects because they now have enough resources,” said Ngcuka.
He added that the library will cater for learners from Grade 1 to Grade 7. He said before the refurbishment, the library was not fully functional due to limited resources.
Learners excited about new study space
Grade 7 learner Endinako Mayaya (12) said learners are excited about the new library and believe it will make their schoolwork easier.
“Now we will be able to do research for our schoolwork. We will no longer need to go to the public library, and it will be easier to access books,” said Mayaya.She added that they will ensure they use the new library responsibly.
