The Wilds takes on the need for literacy
HOUGHTON – The exchange library has been feasible through a donation from a literacy NGO.
The Wilds in Houghton not only fulfils the purpose of entertaining, but that of educating as well.
This purpose is accomplished in the nature reserve through an exchange library in the form of a library box which was installed four years ago.
James Delaney of The Wilds said, “Since then, hundreds of books have been donated and taken, perhaps thousands. It’s been very popular with visitors. The doors [of the box] have been missing since lockdown last year and hopefully Derek [Smith] can replace them soon.”
Derek Smith who runs a non-governmental organisation, Read, donated the library box. He explained that Read was a literacy organisation whose philosophy from the beginning had been to provide teachers with high quality resources and training them in their use.
More information shared on Read’s website states that careful book selection from a full range of publishers is a key element/factor in ensuring the relevance of the material, with a high priority being given to the interest levels of particular age groups. This is important to ensure successful reading experiences early on in learners’ schooling.
A young visitor, Isabella Jansen van Vuuren said, “I’m so excited to visit The Wilds again, not just for how beautiful the walk is but so that I can share a book with a stranger, it’s like a secret message between me and them. It’s nice to connect with others during this scary time.”
Smith said, “A couple of years ago we manufactured boxes for CHOC centres, and from that, the idea came that we would install boxes in the city. The idea was just to promote literacy and put a facility in The Wilds where people can access books.”
He added that there were six library boxes in various parts of the city and they were not made from wood but special synthetic material. Concerning the damaged doors of the box in The Wilds, Smith said he did have a replacement box but was waiting for Level 3 restrictions to be lifted then he would have it replaced.
Details: The Wilds is located on Houghton Drive in Houghton.
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