We Can’t Afford Not To! A Call To Level The Playing Field For All South African Children

The state of literacy in South African public schools, it’s disheartening to realise that even though school libraries are part of the Norms and Standards for public school infrastructure, as outlined by Minister Motshekga in 2013, a staggering 74% of public schools lack this fundamental resource, of the schools with libraries, 43% are not fully stocked.  The November 29, 2023, deadline to ensure libraries in all public schools remains unmet, posing a risk of depriving learners of valuable resources crucial for intellectual growth.

This delay is especially troubling given the sobering statistic that 81% of South African learners cannot read for meaning in any language. The ability to read for understanding is foundational in education, providing learners with the skills to grasp complex concepts, engage critically with information, and develop strong analytical skills.

In this challenging landscape, school libraries emerge as a crucial part of the solution. These spaces play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of reading and providing access to a diverse range of resources. They are central places where learners can explore ideas, research, and get help with their schoolwork. The library environment encourages learners to engage with books, acquire information literacy skills, and develop a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Access to a school library goes beyond having a physical space with shelves of books; it’s about creating an environment that promotes a love for reading and learning. Organisations like The Bookery are actively addressing this issue, having successfully established 95 libraries since 2013, bridging the gap and providing over 95000 learners with access to a wealth of knowledge. The impact of a well-curated library is beautifully captured in a poem written by Imange Ngolo a learner from Kewtown Primary School, a Bookery school titled My School Library

Kewtown Library is the home of books

Books that give us knowledge

Knowledge that gives us hope

Hope for a bright future

Future for all the children in the world

The world is a better place with books

I feel happy when I go to the library!

Books make me happy

Books make me excited

Books make me to be able to read

Books make me to be able to write

I love books!

Reading gives me knowledge

Reading helps me understand words

Reading helps me speak clearly

Reading is Fun!

The Bookery’s initiatives extend beyond the physical establishment of libraries. The organisation actively engages with educators, developing strategies to integrate library resources into the curriculum, making the libraries integral to the learning experience. This approach empowers schools to utilise libraries as dynamic learning hubs, fostering a culture of reading for pleasure.

As educators like Mr. Mlindazwe, Principal at Bongolethu Primary School in Cape Town, attest, the culture of reading is growing at their schools, with dedicated time allocated for library usage. This speaks to the tangible impact that a well-supported and integrated library can have on the educational experience.

School libraries, offering a wide range of educational resources, including textbooks, reference materials, and multimedia resources, support various subjects and topics. They promote a culture of reading and literacy by offering a diverse collection of books and other reading materials, fostering strong reading habits among learners. These libraries often feature diverse collections that expose learners to different cultures, perspectives, and ideas, contributing to cultural awareness and understanding.

Despite the progress made by organisations like The Bookery, challenges persist. It’s clear that ensuring educational equity in South Africa requires a collective effort. The government, civil society, educators, and communities must collaborate to address the systemic issues hindering the establishment of school libraries and contributing to high rates of illiteracy.

Investing in school libraries is an investment in the future of South Africa, laying the foundation for a more equitable and enlightened society. By promoting a culture of reading and providing essential resources, we can break the chains of educational disadvantage that persist in underprivileged communities and pave the way for a more literate and equitable society.