Apex Primary School in Eerste River proudly celebrated the official opening of its brand-new library on 17 July , marking a significant milestone in the school’s commitment to literacy, learning, and opportunity for more than 1 400 learners.
Read, discover
The library was made possible through a successful application to Breadline Africa, who, together with generous partners PEPKO Payments and Lending, Capfin, and Tenacity, transformed an empty space into a vibrant, modern learning environment. Beautifully designed with colourful books, comfortable furniture, inviting reading spaces, and inspiring artwork, the library is a place where learners can read, imagine, discover, and dream.
The official opening programme was facilitated by Gail Davids from Breadline Africa. The celebration began with an opening prayer by School Governing Body member and treasurer S. Musse, followed by a delightful musical performance by the Grade 2 learners. Grade 3 learners then shared why they enjoy reading before presenting heartfelt letters of appreciation to the donors and partners who made the library possible.
Principal Gino Overmeyer officially declared the library open and reflected on the inspiring journey that had unfolded over the course of the week. “Watching a dream become reality shows the power of meaningful partnerships in education. I thank every organisation, volunteer, and individual who invested their time, expertise, and resources into creating a lasting legacy for the children of Apex Primary,” says Overmeyer.
Lasting legacy
Caroline Wardle, Deputy Principal for the Intermediate and Senior Phase, spoke about the lasting impact the library will have on every learner, every teacher, and the wider community. “Libraries play an important role in developing confident readers, supporting quality teaching and learning, and fostering a lifelong love of books,” says Wardle.
The programme also featured inspiring speeches by the school’s Head Boy, Ndinani Dotwana, and Head Girl, Charlie Kordom, who spoke about the value of reading and the opportunities that the new library will create for learners. Grade 7 learners performed a moving poem celebrating books, knowledge, and hope.
The celebration was further enriched by representatives from the Western Cape Mobility Department: Road Safety Management, who reminded learners that reading is an essential life skill. They explained how reading with understanding helps people interpret road signs, learn the rules of the road, and one day become safe and responsible drivers. The department also presented learners with gift bags containing road safety activity folders and educational resources.
Community
The school now calls on the broader community to help grow this wonderful resource. “Families, businesses, and community members are encouraged to donate good-quality, age-appropriate books suitable for children between the ages of 7 and 15 years. Donations may be delivered directly to the school or donors can send a message via the school’s Facebook page if they would like the school to arrange collection. This library is more than a building filled with books. It is a place where curiosity will be nurtured, confidence will grow, and futures will be shaped. It also represents Apex Primary’s commitment to supporting the Western Cape Education Department’s Vision 2030, which strives for every 10-year-old to read with understanding,” says Overmeyer.
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