The Huguenot Square Library in Belhar has been busy recently with various programmes rolled out. According to Cheryl Petersen from the library it is the heart and soul of the community. “The library is a beacon of hope for the community and everything we do here is to help the community to be the best that they can be,” says Petersen.
The Huguenot Square Library in Belhar has been busy recently with various programmes rolled out.
According to Cheryl Petersen from the library it is the heart and soul of the community. “The library is a beacon of hope for the community and everything we do here is to help the community to be the best that they can be,” says Petersen.
On 17 January an antenatal programme started at the library and two ladies attented. It was fascilitated by Nadiyah Alexander from Flourish, a national organisation that supports and empowers mothers throughout the critical first 1 000 days of a child’s life.
“It was a five-week antenatal class covering everything from nutrition and baby bonding to financial wellness, breastfeeding and the labour process. The programme concluded on 22 February with an amazing baby shower. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Flourish for arranging this and supporting the moms-to-be on this incredible journey. To the mommys-to-be, we thank them for their commitment and dedication to this programme. We wish them both a blessed journey further and we eagerly await the arrival of the little ones,” says Petersen.
A team from the library also recently visited Perseverance Secondary School in Belhar, in partnership with City Health and St Vincent Clinic, where they talked about sexually transmitted diseases to the Grade 8’s.
After that the library hosted a transformative employment programme in collaboration with the Expanded Public Works Programme, Department of Labour, JobCrystal, Kempston Recruitment and Marvellous Maids.
“The event attracted 128 community members eager to explore employment opportunities and gain valuable insights into career development. This programme, the first of many, marked an essential step towards addressing unemployment and empowering local residents.
“Each organisation played a pivotal role in this employment initiative. They presented the public with information on the current job market, important tips when applying for a job, as well as the various resources available. EPWP and The Department of Labour also assisted the participants with registering on the respective databases.
“This employment programme left a lasting impact on the community. 128 attendees left with newfound knowledge, improved job-seeking skills, and a sense of empowerment,” says Petersen.
