- Rahmah Library opens at Rahmaniyeh Primary School, creating a nurturing space for students to foster a love for reading.
- The library is a result of a collaborative effort involving the Rotary Club of Newlands, The MAAK architecture firm, and the Otto Foundation.
- Grade 3 learners express excitement about the colorful, spacious library, with books chosen based on their preferences to improve literacy and comprehension.
“Cultivating a love for reading in a space that is a home away from home.” This is how Shireen Jaffer, principal of Rahmaniyeh Primary School, describes the school’s new library.
The District Six school, which celebrated its 112th anniversary in February, officially opened its brand-new Rahmah Library on Thursday 6 March.
The name “Rahmah” is derived from Arabic, meaning mercy, compassion, and kindness. In Islamic tradition, it represents divine concern for humanity.
The library is the result of a collaborative effort between the Rotary Club of Newlands, spatial practice The MAAK, and the Otto Foundation among others.
A full-time librarian, a structured library programme, and a calendar of engaging literacy events – including author readings, book review competitions, an annual book quiz and reading relay, and storytelling by reading role models from the community – will nourish the reading culture in the school.
Jaffer said she is elated that the library is finally a reality.
“The nice part was the input of our learners. They were consulted all the time in the type of furniture they want, and their expectation of the library,” she said.
The principal explained that the majority of the 530 learners come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“For them this is going to be a haven. The learners gave their input about the type of books they wanted. So, there is a variety of books available.”
Jaffer explained that the school previously had a library in one of the classrooms, but with the new facility that would change.
According to the principal, the Grade 3 class obtained the highest marks in the systemic exams for languages last year.
“The introduction of books to the learners does have a big impact on them comprehending, reading, and giving them that escape from their realities.”
The learners are elated with their new “colourful” space.
Grade 3 learner, Ishrah Hartnick said she loved to read and loves the new facility.
Her peer Jean Matare said: “It’s so big and colourful. I like to spend time reading while sitting in the window seat.”
Another learner, Abel Mtekateka, believes reading helps people to escape certain life challenges.
“The library smells like chocolates. I like sitting in the reading pit and reading fantasy books. I like reading to gain knowledge. Reading helps me to get away from technology.”
A Grade 3 learner Akhanda Jama said: “I like that it’s big and colourful. I like to sit next to the windows and read. This library is like a magical place to sit and read books. Reading tells you about all the things you can do. I like reading English books.”
Ashleigh Kilah, architect at The MAAK who designed the library, said the construction process was approached with sensitivity. She explained that they made use of clay from the site to create the bricks and to pay homage to the history and heritage of District Six.
The Rahmah Library is the Otto Foundation’s eight library project in the area.
The foundation creates school libraries that provide children with access to books in safe and nurturing spaces.
Zephne Ladbrook, chair and co-founder of the foundation, said:
She explained that they wanted to involve the learners as much as possible and even asked them to design some of the bookshelves. “School libraries are essential in bridging the literacy gap in South Africa. By providing children with access to books and fostering a reading culture, we are investing in their future and empowering them with the skills they need to succeed.”
During his address at the opening ceremony, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed his gratitude to all partners who made the library possible. “The facility is magnificent, it’s bright, welcoming, and inviting which will encourage kids to read, which is what we want to see.”
Hill-Lewis said reading has led him to where he is today.
“Reading was important to me in my development and life journey. Reading opens up so many doors and opportunities to children. You get to get lost in your imagination and explore different worlds that you may never be able to visit in real life but can explore in your mind.
“Reading is one of the most essential life skills. We love libraries and that’s why we invest so much in our public libraries,” explained the mayor.
