Amasango Career School recently celebrated Readathon Day at the Recreational Hall in Albany Road.
In light of the celebration, the Department of Sports Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) donated stationery including books, rulers and three book wagons worth R700 each for the school to improve their library resources.
Amasango Career School recently celebrated Readathon Day at the Recreational Hall in Albany Road.
In light of the celebration, the Department of Sports Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) donated stationery including books, rulers and three book wagons worth R700 each for the school to improve their library resources.
The programme for the function was directed by one of the teachers Zoleka Kate. While discussing the significance of this day and offering her appreciation to those involved, the school’s principal, Jane Bradshaw said "We are very grateful about the partnership that we have with our sponsors to make the school a success and we dedicate this special day to celebrate the donation."
The prime purpose of the day was to develop a culture of reading in South Africa and to highlight the importance of literacy.
Children were told about the instructions of using the libraries and were reminded about the great privilege they have through their resources to learn. In her speech, Linda Ngamlana, the deputy principal and librarian at the school indicated that the "library is not just a place of silence but to expand children’s knowledge and imagination".
She added that children usually have the perception that libraries are only helpful when they have assignments due but they can find so much more that could enrich their minds and have fun such as watching DVDs, playing educational games and building puzzles.
Patricia Vubela, assistant director of the Makana public libraries emphasised the importance of parents being informed about the free resources available for their children and make use of them to uplift their community.
Also present at the event was Sweetness Mgedezi, a deputy chief education specialist in special needs from the Department of Education.
In her speech she highlighted the issue of the great lack of libraries in South African rural areas and explained that this "results in us having a nation that cannot read and which is uneducated."
Mgedezi further explained that the mission of the department is to produce equal education for all and Amasango Career School is striving for this level of excellence.
"They prefer not to be called a ‘special school’ but a normal school with a dream," she said.
Other government departments who shared in the celebration were the Department of Education, SAPS and Correctional Services who were joined by parents, educators and learners.
