To instil a culture of reading books, the Golden Key International Honour Society Durban University of Technology (DUT) Chapter recently donated over 100 books to St Philomena’s Children’s Home in Sydenham, Durban.  This was made possible with the generous donations of the Umkhumbane Schools projects (facilitated by the DUT Community Engagement Office), the DUT community and surroundings.

This was after GK DUT Chapter hosted a three-week Book Drive at all the DUT libraries urging the University community to donate new or gently used children or teenage books.  

According to the GK DUT Chapter Advisor, Ayanda Mthethwa, the primary aim of the Book Drive was to collect books, donate it to one of the Durban child and youth care centres. She expressed her gratitude to the DUT Corporate Affairs Division for assisting in making the handover memorable for the children by generously sponsoring goodie bags and meals for the children.

The GK DUT Chapter Deputy President, Thembelihle Buthelezi said: “The GK DUT Chapter hopes that this initiative will instil the love of reading which has numerous benefits for the children such as mental stimulation and cognitive development to mention a few, thereby also strengthening their literacy skills. We were well received at the Home, the children/youth engaged with the Golden Key members and the speaker, they showed an interest in reading and writing.”

In addition, Andiswa Mhlongo, the President of the GK DUT Chapter revealed that the children indicated that they would really appreciate to get some assistance with their schoolwork. She reiterated that this will be planned and initiated through the Golden Key Tutoring programme. 

The guest speaker was Mr Bhekinkosi Ngwenya, author and publisher known for his book titled: A Chorus of Rustics. At present, Ngwenya has written 17 books. He left many children inspired to read and making a positive impact in the society. He indicated that he was passionate about helping others as he believes he is where he is through the help he received from strangers. 

“From that I learnt that we are not islands, we need each other in life, testified to this by the African proverb that says if you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go further go with others. I see talent and creativity every day. I see potential that needs to be taped in as a result I took it upon myself to help others publish their books. I have up to date assisted over 20 successful authors amongst them grade 12 learners,” said Ngwenya. 

Inspiring the children, he said the world is going to heal through literature and said that they are the voice of healing. Ngwenya added that their pens and words breath life and they need to not suffocate them. He encouraged them (children) to never look down upon themselves and keep their head up high as one day they will be noticed. 

Pictured: Author, Bhekinkosi Ngwenya, a poet, Xolani Madlala, GK DUT Chapter President, Andiswa Mhlongo and GK DUT Deputy President, Thembelihle Buthelezi.

Simangele Zuma