adminJUNIOR Chamber International (JCI) Bulawayo has officially handed over a library to Emthunzini Wethemba Children’s Home, a donation that is expected to ease learning challenges the children faced.
The library which was renovated and equipped with new furniture and books sourced from local schools and individual donors comes at a time when authorities at the children’s home are raising concern over the safety of the children as they access libraries outside the home.
Emthunzini Wethemba board chairperson Mrs Benerdette Manyarara raised these concerns.
“We were always worried about the safety of the children if they went and accessed the nearest libraries but now that we have a library within the home it’s easy for the children and also good for their safety,” she said.
She said education was the greatest gift any child could receive and she thanked the JCI for the initiative to assist the home.
JCI Bulawayo president Mr Mlondolozi Ndlovu said he was proud to be associated with the project and thanked all partners that assisted with the work.
“The donation comprises the renovation and painting of a room that was identified as the most ideal to house our new study centre. It also includes the renovation of the signs with the home’s name,” he said.
Books for the library were sourced from individuals attending Petra and Gifford high schools, Christian Brothers College and National Foods who responded to the call from JCI.
Rauch Manufacturing provided a discount to the home and provided furniture that was put in the library. Other materials that were donated include educational games and paintings to develop the children better, clothing and shoes.
Mr Nigel Weller, the National Foods southern region operations executive, said as part of their corporate social responsibility programme they were giving back to the community around them. He said they were keen on assisting more vulnerable groups such as orphans.
“We strive to aid vulnerable people within our communities by enhancing their lives by all means possible,” he said.
The JCI president said they noticed that Bulawayo had a shortage of science professionals that were being churned out from local schools, hence they decided to purchase books for the library. He said the library was equipped with mathematics, physics and other science subjects that will be used by the children.
Officials from Petra High School volunteered a librarian who will assist in the setting up of a system to ensure that the books are used well and recorded.
Online Reporter