We rescue sort, catalogue and display books to create usable resource centres in local schools.
We collect, rescue, sort, catalogue and display books to create usable libraries in local schools.
Many schools in the KZN Midlands do not have functional libraries in which learners can do research for projects and develop a love of reading. The Department of Education, through Education Library Information and Technology Services (ELITS), in an effort to kick start the process of having well-functioning resource centres all over the province, have provided schools with a “Starter Collection”, a selection of wonderful fiction and non-fiction books. Unfortunately, at some schools, books are stored in cardboard boxes under tables or on dusty shelves in a random order.
During the past five years the Midlands Meander Education Project has built relationships with a number of local schools and has offered to assist those who require encouragement to get their libraries functioning well. We source donations of paint, shelving, carpets, chairs, cushions, computers and more books to ensure that the library becomes a welcoming and usable space. We encourage parents and community members to assist with covering books to ensure they also feel proud of the facility and build community relationships. We facilitate workshops for the educators to ensure they are confidently able to use the library with their classes and plan creative lessons to introduce the learners to the many possibilities which the library offers..
We are currently assisting four schools on a regular basis. Busi the Bookworm aka Julia Colvin is passionate about introducing the love of reading to children. Her lessons include finding information, applying it and working with a variety of environmental themes. The children respond with great enthusiasm and focus to these practical and helpful lessons.
We believe that by improving school libraries we are offering the children a chance to take control of their own learning, rather than only relying on the educator.
