SARU opens Boks for Books library in Soweto
SARU has presented a disadvantage school with books.
SOUTH African Rugby Union’s (SARU) major Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative to supply fully-stocked mobile or refurbished libraries to previously disadvantaged schools, opened another library at the Sekwati Primary School, Soweto on Friday February 28.
Springbok centre Juan de Jongh and Springbok Sevens star Seabelo Senatla accompanied SARU president Regan Hoskins to the Boks for Books handover event in the heart of Soweto, Johannesburg. The occasion was also attended by senior government officials from the Department of Basic Education, sponsor representatives and the media.
SARU launched the ambitious CSI project in June last year in Durban and has since opened libraries in East London and Pinetown. Boks for Books is SARU’s first venture into CSI and was born out of a desire to make a different contribution to the South African society.
South Africa currently holds approximately 12.3 million learners, although only eight per cent of these public schools have functional libraries.
Mr Hoskins performed the official opening of the library together with rugby stars De Jongh and Senatla, as well as Deputy Minister of Basic Education Mr Mohamed Enver Surty. SARU Deputy President Mark Alexander and Ms. Mama Kekesi, a local Member of Parliament, were also in attendance.
An unused classroom has been refurbished into a fully-functional school library sporting an automated library system, computer, audio visual equipment and a television, as well as a supply of books. This was made possible through the Boks for Books initiative in partnership with ABSA and the Non-Profit Organisation Blue Groove Africa, who are the project rollout partners.
Sekwati Primary School has an enrolment of 220 learners, covering grade R through to grade 7.
Deputy Minister Surty applauded SARU for their contribution in education.
He said: “As a sporting federation, SARU has not only made us proud with their winning ways on the field and uniting the nation through the successes of the Springboks, but also by contributing to a very worthy cause. I have no doubt that the Boks for Books initiative will make a lasting impression and contribution to many young people’s lives across our beautiful country.”
Mr Hoskins said, “Literacy is essential for acquiring skills and knowledge, and those who can read are usually in a position to make a very meaningful contribution to their respective communities. I am therefore excited and extremely proud that SARU can, through Boks for Books, make a small but meaningful contribution to the South African society.”
