Students at four South African schools will improve their reading and literacy skills, thanks to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The two signed a memorandum of understanding that will see portable libraries—known as Mandela Day Libraries—set up at schools without reading facilities. Each will be staffed by librarians trained to inspire a love of reading.
“We’re looking forward to growing our relationship with the Nelson Mandela Foundation,” said Bev Hori, GIA’s chief learning officer and vice-president of education.
“The first phase of this collaboration will establish libraries in towns where children are underprivileged. This will be the first time some of these students have had access to books. The Mandela Day Container Libraries are an excellent step in bettering the education, and, in turn, the lives of children in Africa.”
The libraries are created from large shipping containers that have been recycled and retrofitted with new flooring, insulation, electricity, and book shelves.
GIA will provide libraries to two schools in 2013 and two more in 2014, along with a selection of books for each facility.
Launched in 2011, the Mandela Day Libraries project looks to bridge the gap in literacy and reading proficiency in schools throughout South Africa.
“We are excited about our new collaboration with GIA,” Sello K. Hatang, chief executive of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory at the Nelson Mandela Foundation. “It will present many pupils with an opportunity to improve their literacy and ultimately their lives. Literacy remains an enormous challenge in Africa and is a key priority on the youth agenda.”
