21 August 2019
Brooklyn Heights Primary School in Chatsworth, south of Durban, is the latest recipient of three mobile libraries ahead of International Literacy Day to be commemorated on 8 September.
Professor Yusuf Karodia, founder of MANCOSA, a higher education institution in Southern Africa is a strong believer that reading is an essential ingredient for children to improve their literacy, further their education and to brighten their future.
Through the Yusuf Karodia Foundation, he has launched the “Million Books Project” which aims to provide more than a million books to school children across South Africa through mobile libraries.
(Back row)
Magnate Ntombela, Registrar at MANCOSA;
Khulekani Mthiyane, Principal of Brooklyn Heights Primary School in Chatsworth;
Rathna Pather, Head of the School of Education at MANCOSA;
Ahmed Motala, CEO at New Africa Education Foundation; and
Mohamed Karodia, Director: Strategy and Partnerships at MANCOSA with learners at Brooklyn Heights Primary School
Rathna Pather, Head of the School of Education at MANCOSA said:
“Research has shown that access to libraries improves learner performance and increases their chances of success. A literate, educated society is a safer, healthier, and more prosperous society. Sadly, hundreds of schools lack libraries.“The mobile libraries can be wheeled from one classroom to another and learners can easily access a diverse collection of books,” said Karodia. Speaking at a handover event at Brooklyn Heights Primary School, Magnate Ntombela, Registrar at MANCOSA, said: “Reading broadens the mind and provides a rich perspective of local and global happenings for people who don’t get an opportunity to travel. “Reading in the formative school years is important, otherwise it is difficult to catch up later on and a gap exists throughout one’s life continuing into higher education and working life.” He said parents needed to be more involved in the education of their children and that positive expectations from educators and parents significantly impact learner outcomes.
(Back row)
Magnate Ntombela, Registrar at MANCOSA;
Khulekani Mthiyane, Principal of Brooklyn Heights Primary School in Chatsworth;
Rathna Pather, Head of the School of Education at MANCOSA;
Ahmed Motala, CEO at New Africa Education Foundation; and
Mohamed Karodia, Director: Strategy and Partnerships at MANCOSA with learners at Brooklyn Heights Primary School
Rathna Pather, Head of the School of Education at MANCOSA said:
“Reading is a critical component of a child’s life. Nothing can replace the joy of being gifted with a book which triggers a child’s imagination and encourages sensory learning.”She said if parents were to invest time reading to their children from a young age, they would learn to love books and open their minds to a world of possibilities. Khulekani Mthiyane, Principal of Brooklyn Heights Primary School said:
“Having our school chosen as a recipient is a dream come true. There is no future if basic reading skills are not honed and parents have an important role to play in the process.”He said annually grades R to three learners participated in an Elocution Contest to develop their public speaking abilities through reciting poems, reading books and preparing speeches. Sbongile Mbatha, a grade seven pupil and Head Girl at the school said:
“Reading is one of my favourite pass times. The generous donation will help our school learn more and gain more.”Mbatha aspires to be a doctor one day and enjoys a good story and books on technology. Mongi Majola, grade seven pupil and Head Boy at the school said: “Reading helps with preparation for exams. Our school was in need of more books. At home my parents find time to read to me and help with homework.” The 12-year-old who enjoys books on animals and reptiles aspires to be a computer programmer. For queries or additional information call 031 300 7200, email [email protected] or visit https://www.mancosa.co.za/. ENDS ABOUT MANCOSA
MANCOSA, a leading provider of management programmes through supported distance learning in Southern Africa, is ranked among 10 of the best providers of MBAs in Africa. MANCOSA is a member of Honoris United Universities, the first pan-African private higher education network focused on nurturing the next generation of African leaders and professionals. With 12 learning centres across the SADC regions offering 74 programmes, MANCOSA serves as an innovation hub for executive education and postgraduate management programmes. A selection of 25 Executive Education Short Learning Programmes is also offered to meet the requirements of professionals in both the private and public sectors. See: www.mancosa.co.za
Issued by: Tanisha Rajcomar Meropa Communications (031) 201 0550 / 083 439 0350 On behalf of: Shaadia Vawda Chief Marketing Officer: Southern Africa Honoris United Universities