Elnor Primary School in Elsies River ended the school year on a high note as they opened the doors of their brand-new library for the new year.
The library, which will benefit about 800 learners, was donated by GrandWest Casino at the beginning of the month.
The kwaai 30 square metre prefabricated library is fitted with lights, furniture, books, toys, cushions, educational posters, cards and rubber flooring.
“The school had a library some years ago, but it had to be converted into a classroom after a row of classrooms was burnt down by gangsters and have not been replaced yet,” says teacher Dillon Henwood.
The onnie says GrandWest’s generous donation came at the right time as they’re busy finding ways to enhance learning and teaching under the new leadership.
“Under the guidance of the school’s current headmaster, and with the passion of the educators, the school has seen drastic changes in the past five years,” he says.
“For example, the quads have been resurfaced with tar, security guards were appointed, all walkways were tiled, the entire school was repainted, a food garden was created, a holiday feeding programme was started, the kitchen was expanded, a staff room was established, academic achievement has improved, truancy and drop-out rates have been significantly reduced, and the school is starting to garner much more support from the community.”
Henwood says the library will definitely help with establishing a reading culture at the school.
“This is critical, especially in a community riddled with substance abuse, violence, unemployment, gangsterism and illiteracy.
“The ability to read is a bridge from misery to hope, and we want every learner to take advantage of this new facility so that they can reap the rewards of literacy someday.”
nomzamo.yuku@inl.co.za