Thulasizwe Primary School in Windmill Park now boasts a brand new state-of-the-art library with an information centre worth over R1m, thanks to a generous donation by local businesses.
The educational facilities, launched on July 28, were donated by Hyundai Automotive South Africa and the Hyundai Motor Company, in collaboration with the Imperial and Motus Community Trust.
On top of that, the organisations also pledged to sponsor the salary of the appointed librarian for a year.
The librarian will manage the teaching programmes and support the school for five years, while also training staff to take on the role of librarians after the aforementioned period.
The library and information centre was installed in one of the classrooms, prepared for this purpose.
The cost of the project, which includes the acquisition of books, laptops, learning aids, such as digital whiteboards and the salary of the librarian, amounts to R1,62m.
According to Niall Lynch, CEO at Hyundai Automotive South Africa, the library at Thulasizwe Primary was the 14th facility opened at selected schools in the Witwatersrand region, in partnership with the Imperial and Motus Community Trust project.
“I have represented Hyundai at most of the library openings and every one of them has been a special occasion.
“It is our vision that these libraries and information centres will bridge the gap of illiteracy at primary schools and that it will prepare the learners for a bright future,” said Lynch, during the opening ceremony.
“We aim to assist these selected schools to provide a balanced and holistic education that will enable their learners to excel and realise their potential both academically and as young individuals.”
During the launch, Khanya Magudulela, human resources director at Hyundai Automotive SA encouraged the learners of Thulasizwe Primary to take advantage of the facilities to empower themselves.
“Reading can let your imagination go and let you create your own pictures. Books can keep you entertained even when there is load shedding. Reading and education can help you to go places, to get a good job and save money to travel and broaden your mind,” said Magudulela.
Vegetable garden to benefit the community
Hyundai Automotive SA has also partnered with the Reel Gardening initiative to establish a vegetable garden at Thulasizwe Primary School.
This project aims to educate and employ community members to establish their own gardens.
Hyundai will introduce the Reel Gardening kits to each school to which a library is donated to help provide food security to underprivileged communities.
Thank You
The principal, Peter Moropa on behalf of the school, expressed their gratitude for the support received from these organisations.
“It is only through education that learners from this community will be able to face the challenges of the future,” he said.
This was the second school to receive support from the organisations. Windmill Park Primary School also received a library early this year.
Nathan Harris, Windmill Park Primary School deputy principal, who also attended the handover at Thulasizwe, said at their school they have noticed that school attendance improved after the library was opened.
Also Read: Top reasons why you should take your child to the library
