Basetsana Mapaila (23), who is the founder of Let’s Cover School Books, is pleading with the community to donate book covers, plastic, sellotape, or name labels.
The Etwatwa resident started this initiative last year to assist learners who couldn’t afford book covers in the community.
“Some children have to use newspapers and bread plastics to cover their books. That on its own creates a subconscious division,” said Basetsana.
“We are trying to help children to understand that their circumstances, including not having a book cover, doesn’t have to be mean that they cannot learn with confidence like the other children. Covering the books for them is to show that we support their education.”
Last year Basetsana and her team managed to cover 347 books for learners in Daveyton and Etwatwa.
The Richfield Graduate Institute learner said they would love to double the number this year.
“It is fulfilling knowing that one child will not have to worry about how he or she will cover their books and they can focus on their studies,” she said.
“We hope to unleash the potential within the learners, and tell a story through covering the books.”
The NPO needs 10 volunteers who will assist them when schools reopen on February 15.
“Helping others is a part of the heart and soul of our organisation. When people lend a helping hand, more books get covered, which means more families are rescued from the stresses brought by the pandemic as well as poverty,” she said.
Anyone who would like to volunteer or donate may contact Basetsana on 065 919 1045 or send her a WhatsApp message.
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