A sense of jubilation filled the air as the community of Mikasa village outside Taung in the North West embraced their newly built Primary School Library.
The impoverished Mukasa Primary school learners had limited access to reading resources and were allegedly required to travel approximately 16 kilometres to visit the nearest library.
The library was donated to the school by AVBOB, South Africa’s largest mutual assurance society and a one-stop funeral service provider.
Welcoming the donation on behalf of the Department, Education MEC Viola Motsumi stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in supporting the education sector.
“Let me take this moment to express my sincere gratitude to AVBOB. Our children will now have the opportunity to fortify their knowledge through the books they read from the library. Indeed, it takes a village to raise a child, and the contribution of the private sector is crucial in the education of our children.
“Public-private partnerships are vital in supporting the education of our learners, as they help reach communities and schools where government resources alone may not always be sufficient,” said Motsumi
The MEC added that the donation will significantly improve access to books and learning materials for the learners.
“This new facility will provide a dedicated space where learners can develop a love for reading, strengthen their literacy skills, and expand their knowledge.
It will also promote a stronger culture of learning not only within the school but also in the surrounding community,” explained Motsumi.
The donation was met with profound gratitude by the school Principal Pako Khonkhobe, who committed that the learners will effectively use the library.
“As a school, we commit ourselves to ensuring that this library is used effectively to promote reading, learning, and academic excellence.
We believe it will play a significant role in improving literacy and empowering our learners with knowledge, broaden their knowledge beyond the classroom and guide them throughout their lives” said Khonkhobe
