A Woodstock-based non-profit organisation (NPO), The Bookery, says it is about R300 000 short of its target of R1 million to purchase books for learners from disadvantaged communities across South Africa.
The organisation hopes to achieve this by the end of this month (September).
In May, the organisation started a campaign hoping to reach its target by Mandela Day (18 July).
The Bookery aims to establish school libraries to inspire young readers of all ages and languages for the 74% of public schools in the country which do not have libraries.
Zulfa Buziek, fundraising and communications officer, said the campaign aims to purchase books in their mother tongue. “To date, we have raised just under R700 000 from the support of people like The MacFarlane Family Foundation and Sol Plaatjie Educational Trust.”
She said learners reading books in their mother tongue is crucial for their development.
“Reading in the mother language helps bridge the gap between the culture at home and the one at school and society. It not only improves learning for learners but also broadens the general outlook of the education system, increasing tolerance and fostering respect for cultural diversity. The funds raised from the campaign will assist us in procuring books that our learners can relate to.”
This is in line with International Literacy Day (ILD) commemorated on Friday 8 September.
For the past 40 years, Unesco has been celebrating the day to shine a spotlight on the importance of literacy as a human right and the foundation of all learning.
Buziek said more resources should be made available to assist schools. “With 81% of learners who cannot read for meaning in any language in the country, it is important that more resources (funding, human capital, and infrastructure) be put into improving this statistic.
“School libraries are essential to the development of literacy and information literacy, teaching and learning. We want to thank all our donors and people who support the work of The Bookery.”
Buziek said all donations are appreciated.
“We saw it fit to extend the campaign until the end of September, which is Heritage Month. Our African languages are part of our culture and heritage. We are requesting any donation big or small that will help us reach our target.”
To donate visit their website or call 021 481 4169.
