Two former Westridge High School pupils are giving back to their alma mater by funding a revamp of the school library in a bid to inspire a new generation of readers.
Roscoe Williams and his brother Athol Williams are leading the transformation project, which includes a fresh coat of paint for walls and shelves, new furniture, and an updated book collection focused on age-appropriate materials for students.
The brothers, both Westridge alumni, are funding the project privately without relying on external donations, though they remain open to contributions, particularly for furniture.
“We want to create an engaging and modern space where students can feel inspired and excited to read,” Roscoe explained during an interview with TygerBurger about the project.
The revamp aims to foster a stronger reading culture amongst pupils and provide better resources to encourage learning and personal growth.
Unveiling planned after completion
The ongoing project is being carried out as quickly as possible, with an unveiling event planned once the library transformation is complete. However, the reveal won’t take place before the end of February.
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The initiative is expected to benefit students by providing a conducive environment for learning whilst potentially inspiring other alumni and community members to contribute to the school.
Cape Flats Book Festival
The Williams brothers’ commitment to literacy extends beyond just their old school. Athol founded the awarded-winning Read To Rise, a literacy promotion non-profit organisation dedicated to improving reading access and education.
Roscoe runs the project in South Africa because Athol has taken exile oversees because he of his status as a whistleblower who exposed corruption at consultancy firm Bain & Company. His revelations became central to the Zondo Commission’s investigations into state capture, earning him international recognition including the 2022 Blueprint Special Recognition award for “integrity and bravery in the public interest”.
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Read To Rise and its mascot, Oaky the Acorn, will host its annual Cape Flats Book Festival at West End Primary School in Lentegeur on Saturday and Sunday, 31 January and 1 February.
The free-entry festival continues the organisation’s mission to promote literacy and reading culture across communities on the Cape Flats, and especially in Mitchells Plain where both the Williams brothers grew up.
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