When the children of Nelsonskop Primary school in Limpopo, start the second term on 2 April they will have a brand-new library to explore.

Nelsonskop Primary 4590
(Image: Robert Coutts)

The library, donated by local company Kaefer Energy Projects through the Nelson Mandela School Library Project, was officially opened on 13 March. It fulfills a dream, held for 20 years by retiring principal Mrs Kekane.

On the shelves are 1 500 books donated by Rotary International, and Qualibooks’ Setswana early learning readers, donated by Kaefer. Among the books are 10 sets English and local language Mandela comics – included in every Nelson Mandela School Library Project library launch to encourage the children to “dream big”, said project leader Robert Coutts.

Coutts said poor literacy is a critical problem in South Africa and the Nelson Mandela School Library Project’s primary focus is inspiring children to read.

Martin Kruger, Kaefer’s Lephalale operations director, attended the event along with his colleagues, Daniel van der Walt and Tembi Moyo. Representatives from the Department of Basic Education and the school’s governing body also attended.

Eskom is also a sponsor.