Library week inspires ABET students
"Today, I have the confidence that I too will be an important person in society with the backing of my education"
IN celebration of SA Library Week, the Malvern Adult Education and Training Centre visited the local library to learn more about the facilities offered. Students were told of the importance of having and accessing a library and were encouraged to become members by applying for a card. They also learned about taking care of books and were taken on a tour inside the library.
The training centre for adults was established in 2008, offering levels one to three, with the aims of uplifting the community for those wishing to pursue their matric. “In 2009, we offered a new level to our curriculum, level four which is the equivalent of Grade 9 or National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level one. This was to allow those who wanted to access skills based education from FETs as well TVET colleges to be able to do so,” explained centre manager, Siza Khumalo. Due to popular demand, in 2012 the centre introduced a matric class for its students and the teachers describe the progress as ‘so far so good’.
“We have partnered with the Malvern Library to complement the work we do in class. We encourage our learners to visit the library often to empower themselves through reading and as a result, some of our learners get 100% for specific subjects,” Khumalo added.
Nothando Hadebe, a student at the centre said she has a new found confidence for herself. “It had always been my wish to complete my schooling and when I heard about the centre, I joined immediately. I started in 2008 with my level three and I’ve enjoyed it every step of the way. Today, I have the confidence that I too will be an important person in society with the backing of my education,” she said. Hadebe added that her teachers’ words of encouragement have played an important role in her learning.
The Malvern Adult Education and Training Centre has classes at Queensburgh Girls’ High School in the afternoon on weekdays. It is open to people who have never been to school and those who wish to complete their schooling. New students are welcome. For more information, contact Siza Khumalo on 083 445 4329.
