As part of their commitment to better Hawk Academy’s premises and learners, Abcon Group Foundation, through their partnership with Topshell, donated a modern library to the school in May last year.
Sharon Mastara, a librarian at Hawk Academy, sat down with the GCN on Wednesday to describe the impact the library has had on the school since its opening.
“This initiative made a difference in the children’s lives from the onset and it quickly developed into more than just a library and into a media centre,” she said.
“We have DVDs, magazines and we discuss films and various types of media in this room.”
Many children from the school had no access to books outside of the ones they read in class, according to Sharon.
With an operational library at the school, they are now able to practice reading at home and the pronunciation of words with her guidance in the library.
“It was challenging at first to identify who could read and who could not, especially in the junior phase because the learners were shy, so I first read them books based on cartoon characters they were familiar with from watching TV, like Fancy Nancy and other Disney characters,” said Sharon.
“Soon after, it was easy for me to encourage them to read other types of books on their own.
“Our teachers have noticed a significant difference in the learners’ reading capabilities and we’ve heard many pleasing reports from the teachers regarding the confidence learners now have to read out loud in class.
“Learners in the senior phase are allowed to book out reading material and return it after a specified period, this allows them to practice their reading at home while they learn the responsibility of keeping the books in our library in good condition.”
Sharon mentioned that the opening of the library allowed the school to start Story Time, a reading period for the Grade Rs to develop their reading skills in preparation for Grade One.
Furthermore, the library is responsible for a few artists who have emerged from across all grades in the school.
“The library is a creative space for the learners,” she said.
“In here they can broaden their horizons by not just reading the maths and science textbooks for homework, but by reading history books and children’s literature about overcoming challenges in school and coming-of-age fiction.
“We have seen more children develop and refine their interest in various art forms.”
The library, according to Sharon, has also kick-started conversations about career prospects for those in the senior phase who need to plan for tertiary education, while it continues to combat the immediate reading challenges faced by learners in the junior phase.
“Books have the ability to spark a brain that can change the world, which is why with each library period I am encouraged to reinforce what the teachers teach in their classrooms, to create a generation of learners who appreciate books and reading,” Sharon said.
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Don’t miss out of the SA Book Fair
Reading is not a chore but a pleasure. We should remember that this National Book Week, which is from September 2 to 8.
The South African Book Fair (#SABF2019) will be held during this week from September 6 to 8 at the Women’s Jail on Constitution Hill at 11 Kotze Street in Johannesburg.
Make sure you enjoy all the fair has to offer.
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