Books For South Africa

Comments and experiences from Dorothy Kennett who is helping build a library in South Africa for children in need.

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Location: Swayimane and Cato Ridge, Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa

I live in Bloomington, Illinois USA but since 2001 I have made 6 trips to the country of South Africa. I have spent varying amounts of time volunteering there, for as long as 9 months, or as little as 1 month. As of the present time I have 6 library programs up and running for the children of KwaZulu Natal. These projects include a Community Library, iThembalethu, in Swayimane, Khaylehile Children's Library at a foster care facility near Cato Ridge, a Lifeskills library, 16 Travelling Libraries including 4 in Zimbabwe and a Library collection at a Child Development facility. If you would like to help me with this important work, contact me at 2002 E. Washington St. Bloomington, Illinois 61701. Phone: 309.662.1571 EMail: dkenne2@ilstu.edu

Friday, June 12, 2009

iThembalethu Travelling Library Update

It's been many months since I've updated the Books for South Africa Projects Blogspot and know it is something I should be doing. March of this year found me once again in South Africa, looking in on my now 6 library projects in the country. The newest two include a Traveling Library in Zimbabwe starting with 4 containers and about 500 books and a collection of 300 books at the Inchanga 1000 Hills Community Helpers site. Each of these projects adds a new dimension to the help we have been able to bring to the children of Southern Africa. I have many stories to tell about the projects, the children and about my experiences in the KZN, but what I particularly want to share today is a letter I received from the principal of a school that is part of the iThembalethu Traveling Library Program.
" iSenzosabasha Secondary School has enjoyed the books. Children found them interesting, wht is good is that they cater for all grades. The project is so good and it should go on since it helps schools without libraries and also far away from town where they can get libraries. Children have targeted the number of books they will read before the tub is taken elsewhere. This will improve their reading skills. May I suggest that if possible: career books, Bursary register and Study guides related to the curriculuc (NCS) should be added. We thank the sponsors of the project including the team led by Dorothy Kennett who are causing iThembalethu Moving Library to move. The project is our hope. Thank you P.N.O. Zulu, for iSenzosabasha Secondary School."
Thanks as always for your support. Dorothy

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