Nine mobile libraries were handed over to three primary schools within the Metro East Education District at a special celebration honouring International Literacy Month held at Kalkfontein Primary School on Thursday 19 September.
Kalkfontein, Apex (Eerste River), and False Bay (Macassar) primary schools each received three mobile libraries from Mancosa (in collaboration with the Yusuf Karodia Foundation) and the New Africa Education Foundation.
Kalkfontein Primary principal, Allan van Niekerk, said the school is proud to receive the 900 books “to inspire, educate, and spark the imagination of readers of all ages”.
“This mobile library will serve as a beacon of knowledge, providing opportunities for learning, personal development and community development. Let’s continue to work together to empower values, one book at a time.”
The operations manager of Mancosa, Zochrah Kriel, reminded of former US Pres Harry Truman’s words: “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
Kriel said reading has many benefits such as experiencing many lives by relating to characters in a book, being transported to another country, learning about different cultures, improving communication skills and social responsibility.
She said research shows social media sites can cause people to have unrealistic beliefs “because they want to be just like the people they follow. When these things are not fulfilled, young people experience bouts of depression and negativity. Let’s resolve this by making reading fashionable”.
Treasure chests
CEO of New Africa Education Foundation, Ahmed Motala, said the partnership between Mancosa and the Department of Education shows the impact of collaboration.
He said to date Mancosa and the Yusef Karodia Foundation distributed over 500 mobile libraries across the country, with over 155 000 books, and invested R17,8 million in an “education treasure map”.
“These mobile libraries are the treasure chests. But the libraries aren’t magic by themselves.”
Teachers are the true heroes, he said. “Without you, these books would just be collecting dust on the shelves.
“I encourage you to make reading not just something learners have to do, but something they want to do.
“Bring the adventure alive, create excitement, and help these learners fall in love with reading.”
He told the learners books are the tools to build their dreams.
“Whether you want to become a scientist, a doctor, or the next president of South Africa, these dreams begin with words, knowledge, and the willingness to learn.
“The future is in your hands, and it starts with the pages of these books. Let’s embrace this gift, cherish it, and ensure that South Africa becomes a nation of readers, thinkers, and doers.”
Curriculum Support Head of MEED, Trevor Daniels, said the mobile libraries are more than books on wheels. “They are the takeaways to knowledge, opportunity, and empowerment.”
He said access to books is a powerful equalizer. “Education is one of the most effective tools for transforming societies and literacy is at the heart of this.”
Daniels referred to the 2024 World Bank Education Sector Analysis Report for the Western Cape released last week.
The report shows reading proficiency is a key indicator of learners’ future academic success. Those who cannot read sufficiently by age 10 face significant challenges that impede their ability to thrive later.
“This crisis is particularly acute in under-resourced areas where access to quality learning is limited,” Daniels said.
“By placing these libraries within the reach of our children, you are ensuring they have the opportunity to develop strong and unique skills that will serve as the foundation for their future success.
“The World Bank emphasises that learners who read proficiently are more likely to remain in school, excel academically, and pursue a higher vocational school creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community.”
”(Thank you) Mancosa, Yusuf Karodia Foundation, and New African Education Foundation, you have given our children the tools to succeed.”
