Kacey Veldman, Timothy Fourie, Kaylen Veldman, Lamont Sikes, Yaurella Jegels, Danie Yarrow and Phindile Nkosi are the winners of a Spelling Bee and Readathon competition that was held at the Mobile Library at the Midas Sports Development grounds.
Dr Cynthia Oliphant who has been running the library for many years throughout the community is thankful that they finally have a space of their own.
The competition consisted of five different age groups and about twenty-five children participated in the day’s event.
“The library is here for people to come read and we would like to keep the authenticity of the written material. As much as we anticipate having digital platforms for research purposes, we want to hold on to our printed (hardcopy) books. When there is loadshedding we cannot use our devices so that’s why we need our books,” explained Oliphant.
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The liberian also added that there are so many children who cannot read and we can blame some of it on social media but many children are just not reading. “We want our children to get back into reading. We want to encourage children to write their own books. Children are our heritage and we are unlocking the leader in them through our Women of Destiny organisation,” she added.
Many prizes from sponsors were handed out to the winners as well as all of the participants. The turnout also surprised many adults on the day as the youngsters stayed throughout the competition. “I really didn’t expect that but it was quite interesting to see the talent that our children have,” said Oliphant.
Children were also given vegetable seeds and the organisation EnvironMentorz taught the children how to sow their seeds in cooldrink bottles until it grows into seedlings and then transplant into the ground. Oliphant explained that for those children who do not have space at home to plant, EnvironMentorz will provide a space in their garden for the children. The children will be able to take their harvest home and some will be sold by them at a market so that they can make money which will be put into savings accounts for them. Oliphant shared that their programmes are more than just reading, it is holistic development for the children.
In the coming years, Oliphant would love to see many local libraries also participating in Spelling Bee and Readathon competitions with them so that more children can be involved. She is also hoping to partner with businesses and institutions who will be able to train or provide bursaries for matriculants from the area.
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