As Nelson Mandela once said, education is the most powerful weapon which one can use to change the world.
That was exactly what the members of Early Learning Resource Unit (ELRU) tried to achieve on Thursday 21 July when they donated books to the members of the Gugulethu Early Childhood Development Forum as part of the International Nelson Mandela Day.
The event was held at Nomzamo Educare Centre at NY135.
ELRU is a non profit organisation based at Lansdowne. The organisation works with under-resourced urban and rural communities to address the immediate needs of young children ages zero to six years old by ensuring that every child has access to quality early childhood development opportunities.
At least 35 educare centres benefited during the event.
Some of the donated books are storytelling books, picture books, puzzle books and rhyme books.
Forum secretary and principal of Ikhwezi pre-school Gwen Nombila said the donation came at the right time during Mandela month. She described Mandela as someone who prioritised education.
“We are happy with the new donation. We believe that the books will make a difference because not all of us had enough books,” said Nombila.
She stated that it is vital to familiarise children with reading from an early age.
“Books are very important to the children as they sharpen their minds and imagination. Also reading improves their vocabulary and listening skills,” she said, adding that the number of the books that were given to the principals depended on the needs of each creche.
ELRU project manager Faadiela Ryklief described the initiative as part of giving back to the community. She said they donated 900 books.
“We perceive that there are too many challenges that are facing the ECD centres, particularly in the disadvantaged areas. Many centre’s don’t have enough books for their children due to various reasons which include constant break-in,” she stated. She declared that they’ve donated in many different areas like Mitchell’s Plain, Athlone, Langa, Nyanga, Crossroads etc.
Ryklief said they received tremendous feedback in all the areas they visited.