Buhlebethu Primary School

NEWTOWN C, Inanda, KZN

Buhlebethu Primary School had a vision to improve the literacy rate in their school and, in 2014, we began our challenge to transform a run-down room into a functional library on a minimal budget. Hard work led to the launch of this library and classroom book corners on 23 June 2015.

In 2020, we undertook to further develop the school library as part of our sustainability program and on 22 April 2021, we had the honour of opening this library, sponsored by the AES Charitable Trust. We were featured in the KZN Department of Education’s media release as the MEC of Education, HOD, DDG and Director of ELITS were to join us for this auspicious occasion.

A cultural explosion showcasing the school’s incredibly talented learners with traditional dancing, singing, and speeches marked launch day and The LEARN Project was honoured by the attendance of Dr E.V. Nzama, Head of Department for the KZN Department of Education.

1146

LEARNERS

1

LIBRARY

16

BOOK CORNERS

3337

BOOKS

Transformation takes teamwork

Teachers were trained using our ‘Welcome to the library’ manual and a thorough training session was held to equip the library monitors and librarian who are the school’s reading ambassadors. A variety of new books were prepared for this library by our dedicated team and books covered by volunteers. The set-up week was aided by Reading Champion and educator assistants from the President’s Programme, as well as librarian, Sli Mkhize and the LEARN team. The result? Books unpacked and shelved according to the Dewey Classification System and a room completely made over by the Essentials building team.

”“Thank you for putting our school on the map, for instilling the love of reading, for the strong foundation. Today we showed the whole world that we are great leaders and we can change the world.”
— MRS GWABALANDA, SCHOOL PRINCIPAL