The Amazwi Villager

Written by Thandi Mkhatwsha

A shortage of books and libraries in Acornhoek schools is a big problem. Teachers use a single copy to teach overcrowded classes. But the Books for Peace Library Project has changed the situation. “I run a girl’s club at Ndabeni primary school, and I have gotten to know the school over this past year, “ said Rose Zulliger, a United States Peace Corps volunteer and the founder of the Books for Peace Library Project. “I noticed that they didn’t have many books and they were using photocopied pages from academic books. This made it very difficult for the teachers to instill a love of reading within the learners. I wanted to help the teachers to have the resources to help their learners.”

With the help of 24 Peace Corps volunteers, The Books for Peace Library Project has delivered 30,000 books to 30 schools throughout South Africa, eight of which are here in Acornhoek. The schools who each received 1000 books are Chayiwe, Funjwa, Mugidi, Ndabeni, Maotole, Motlamogale, Phatsedi primary schools and Shobiyani Secondary School. “Growing up, I went to the library all the time. That is how I began to love to read and to learn,” Rose explained. “For me, it is very important that children here in Acornhoek have that same experience. I want them to enjoy the process of learning. It’s not fun to read academic books, but if they can find a good storybook, it can help them to begin to love to read. But also, it can help them to feel comfortable with English.”

The schools can’t help but express their gratitude. “We are so grateful to have received the books,” explained Thembi Ngwenya, a school principal at Mugidi Primary School. “Children were reading books provided for lessons only, but now they will be able to pick and choose their own favourites from the library. Who knows, maybe one day some of the learners might get inspired and become authors themselves.”

“The only way children can learn to do something properly is if they practice doing it everyday,” said Ms. Mkhonto, a schoolteacher who runs a reading club at Ndabeni Primary School. “Reading these books everyday will turn them into better readers.”

Even the learners are very excited. One student said, “I’ve always loved to read stories, but I have never had the opportunity. The books will help a great deal.”

The Books for Peace Library Project has provided the schools with a basic foundation that will benefit teachers and learners. Of course, challenges still exist, but now at least the children have the chance to access good books in their school libraries.