Fikile’s dream – a Library in Zenzele
"Reading keeps your dreams alive, gives you knowledge, empowers you," she says.
Fikile Farrow, 33, has a dream and decided that this year is the right time to realise it … she’s opening a library in the Zenzele informal settlement.
Fikile, with the support of her long-time friend Melinda du Plessis, who is Advisor of Special Projects to the Executive Mayor of the West Rand District Municipality, feels that not having a library for the children in Zenzele is a great disadvantage for them.
The kids have to walk to a library in Mohlakeng, which is dangerous and tiring. ” The children study by candlelight, and live in shacks, under difficult circumstances. As the the shacks are small, and house a number of family members, it is very difficult to concentrate.”
Her vision is to get as many containers as possible, and fill them with bookshelves, tables, chairs, a wi fi hotspot, and plenty of books. “Reading keeps your dreams alive, gives you knowledge, empowers you,” she said.
“Ultimately I would love the kids to be able to do their homework there, and study in a safe environment where the elders in the community can keep a eye on the children of the community.”
When you speak to Fikile you can see the passion she has for this project. She mentions that it is a community project, and that ward Councillor, Daniel Mashaba, is standing behind them in this project.
Any help or donations of books, old or new, bookshelves, containers et cetera would be greatly appreciated.
Please call Fikile on 076 764 8012 if you would like to assist her.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za  (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
