14 Aug 2018

Maunatlala public library is determined to groom young individuals in the community through its outreach programmes that target children aged five to 15 years of age.

Speaking during an interview, one of the librarians, Mr Morning Nkepe said the children’s section of the library was designed to develop an interest in learning with charts and illustrations.

He said computers had also been availed for the children to develop computer literacy and stimulate their intellectual capacity.

Mr Nkepe further noted that various programmes, including educational, capacity building and cultural lessons had been put in place to ensure the full utilisation of the library by children.

He explained that the educational programme comprised of storytelling, homework assistance, talk shows and book discussions, while capacity building programmes saw children partaking in games such as scramble, monopoly and cultural lessons where they were taught about family trees and culture.

Mr Nkepe said the library had engaged four Tirelo Setshaba participants who work on two alternating shifts to assist the young ones.

He noted that the support staff was frequently trained on how to assist children in the library and this had seen more children enrolling in their programmes and showing interest in reading.

He expressed hope that the programmes would build children’s ability to learn new things and utilise their full intellectual capabilities, while building their self-confidence hence preparing them for the classroom syllabus. ENDS