On 24 April 2014, Bongane Primary Farm School in Endicott, Springs, became the 42nd school in South Africa to receive a Mandela Day container library.
Launched by Participate for Good and Breadline Africa, the container library will serve as a permanent learning facility for the school’s 460 young learners, many of whom live in the neighbouring KwaZenzele informal settlement.
The library was sponsored by 46664 bangles and Charities Unlimited, with a donation of some 800 books by Rotary International in Bedfordview.
The school principal, Ms Gama, and a selection of teachers conducted the library opening ceremony.
Throughout the event, learners of all ages entertained guests by reciting poetry – each student stood up confidently and read poems, some about equality, or recycling, others about the school and the meaning of ubuntu.
Guests were also treated to several traditional dance performances.
Some of the learners' parents attended the opening event, along with representatives from Participate for Good 46664, Mr Robert Coutts, Mr Raynolds Tshuma and Mrs Angela Teague, along with Soul Buddyz representive Ms Thoko Budaza.
Principal Gama delivered an impassioned speech about how the little farm school had survived so many odds, and how the gift of the container library would now enable educators to enhance the children’s learning experience at the school.
To this end, a teacher had pre-printed certificates to be awarded to each child who made use of the library for a project, or simply to read a storybook.
This acknowledgement is aimed at boosting learner confidence, and rewarding children for reading and interacting with the reading facility.
After the speeches, all guests were invited to take a tour of the library and browse the donated books.
Then the music was turned up, and the dancing began.
The teachers showed the children how it was done, and there was a great deal of fun and laughter to close off this special event.
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