The Durban University of Technology (DUT), in collaboration with IkusasaLentsha successfully handed over reading books to four primary schools in the Bergville area as part of their Book Club/Literacy Programme on 12 July 2024.
Launched in 2023 under the university’s Bergville Schools Engagement Project, the Book Club aims to enhance reading and writing skills, helping learners to read with understanding while fostering their creativity. The Programme supports Intumbane, Bambanani, Vulamehlo, and Sbavane Primary Schools, reaching around 800 learners in Grades 5, 6, and 7.
The Principal of Intumbane Primary, Mr Mazibuko, expressed gratitude for the Programme, stating, “This initiative will help our children read fluently and with understanding. I believe a child who reads well will succeed anywhere in life.”
Ms Shabalala, an educator at Bambanani Primary School, highlighted the increased motivation among the learners: “We have seen more and more kids visiting the reading corner in classes and it’s not only the kids in the Book Club but also other children. Though the Book-A-Thon (Reading Competition) is a cherry on top, the learners are looking forward to the competition.”
Grade 7 learner, Nokubonga Xaba, from Bambanani Primary thanked DUT for the opportunity to participate in the Book Club, emphasising its positive impact on the education of all the learners.
This year, six books were selected for the Book Club, all of which will be featured in the Book-A-Thon competition later this year. Each school will select 10 students to compete in categories including book review, poetry, short story writing, and two new categories such as skits and debate for Grade 7 learners.
Andiwsa Ngubane who recently joined the Community Engagement Team as an Intern, shared her enthusiasm for the Programme: “The excitement from the schools is heartening and showcases the potential of this initiative. As the Zulu proverb “Ligotshwa lise manzi“, suggests when applied to education it means that if you want to educate a nation, you must do it while it is still young. I am hopeful this programme will help improve reading comprehension among learners and foster connections and intellectual growth.”
In the coming weeks, DUT will visit the four primary schools to conduct workshops supported by the DUT’s Library Unit, which are aimed at preparing learners for the Book-A-Thon across all categories. These workshops will provide valuable support and guidance to help learners excel in their reading, writing, and creative skills, ensuring learners are fully equipped to participate in the competition.
Through the Book Club/Literacy Programme, DUT is paving the way for a brighter future for young learners in Bergville.
Pictured: Learners from Intumbane Primary School receiving books from the DUT’s Bergville Schools Engagement Project,
Phumeza Msongelwa
