Mpumalanga school starts 2020 with a brand-new Mandela library
Mpumalamga’s Mbongo Primary School started the 2020 school year with a brand-new library, donated through the Nelson Mandela School Library Project.
The library was launched late last year on a day full of excitement and gratitude for the work done at the school by the Soul City Institute for Social Justice’s Soul Buddyz Clubs reading programme and the library sponsor, Old Mutual Insure.
Soul City worked in the school, in the small rural settlement of Mbibane near Marble Hall in Mpumalanga, for several years, before it was decided that the institution should receive a “Mandela library” and books.
Soul City Buddyz Clubs promotes children’s health and well-being by creating an environment conducive to learning, encouraging youngsters to take responsible action, and promoting schools and libraries as community resources.
The Old Mutual Insure team arrived with a gift of 2 000 books, snack-filled goody bags and stationery for the learners. The children were turned out in their best and entertained their visitors with poetry recitals and dancing until the library was formally opened.
The launch was attended by Department of Basic Education district representatives who spoke to the children about the advantages of literacy in today's world.
This school is now part of the Mandela Education Programme and will have access to free books for the next 15 years.