Mobile library to inspire the youth to read again

A resident of Vosloorus understands the power of knowledge and the role reading plays in making a success of life.

Because of her love for books, and therefore her drive to self-develop, Thusigo Lebesa is today an aircraft mechanic for SAA Technical.

In the hope of inspiring the youth to fulfill their dreams and reach their destinies, she is intending to launch a fully functioning mobile library.

So far, such a worthy initiative has not been possible as she has been struggling to obtain books as donations.

However, with the help of the Advertiser and the incredibly generous Boksburg community who made donations during the book drive, this mobile library is set to become a reality.

She plans during her spare time to drive around locations and the townships, and also visit orphanages, with her bakkie loaded with the donated books as collected by the Advertiser.

“I intend for it to be a proper mobile library, so that books keep on circulating. The idea is for people to have access to books because so many people, including children, cannot get to a library.

“It is sad that so many homes do not even have one book. This needs to change, and we need to get children to read.”

She said she was fortunate to have access to a primary school library while attending Capital Park Primary School in Pretoria.

“I was there so often, reading and reading. Langenhoven High School didn’t have a library, but I was lucky to be close to a community library. Books were a great companion of mine and the youth miss out on so much if they fail to read.”

She also finds it of concern that schools do not have libraries and feels that such a need should also be addressed.

“While in high school, a teacher told me the average 18-year-old’s vocabulary in this country does not go past 400 words. Such a shocking reality has stuck with me for a long time. You should have such a vocabulary already early in your life, definitely not at such an age.”

She said reading is vital because it develops one’s imagination and creativity.

“When you read you create a movie in your head. You can imagine settings and how characters look. You can get lost in another world.

“I’m hoping children will learn to read for understanding. I have noticed children read, but they do not understand. It will be great if they read the book and it can be explained to them, which will boost their confidence.

“After all, they must be able to summarise what they read. If you don’t understand, what then is the point?

“With the mobile library I’m hoping to help with this country’s education, while hopefully also sparking the flame of writing.”

Anyone who is willing to support, join the initiative or is willing to donate more books, can contact her on 061 473 1622.