Chapel Street Primary in District Six unveiled their new library, called the Sunbird Library, their new playground and a new Grade R classroom, last Tuesday, September 27.
The project started in February last year and cost R1.78 million.
Donations came from the Otto Foundation, Waterfront Rotary Club, Biblionef SA, the Kamvalethu Foundation, philanthropic organisations and local businesses.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) contributed over R500 000 as part of the final budget.
MEC David Maynier, who attended the unveiling, thanked the donors and schools partners for the work done to create a multifunctional space at the school.
“To provide a library, it will improve the foundation of reading, the gift of reading is not only a gift of learning, its a gift of well-being,” he says.
Chapel Street Primary school principal, Karriem Gabriels says the school is grateful for the donors and partners who have given support on these projects. “Libraries provide the energy for pupils, it opens up windows to the world.”
Mr Gabriels says the new playground and new Grade R classroom will help the pupils feel more at home.
Chairperson of the Otto Foundation, Zephne Ladbrook says the final outcome of the project is a testament to what can be achieved when public and private sector partners work together on a common goal.
“Education is not a building, its a community and an environment, and literacy and education requires a multi-pronged approach which includes teachers with technical expertise, support of non-profit organisations and the community with parents, caregivers and kids.”
Membership chair of the Waterfront Rotary, June Webber says they are proud to be a partner in the project.
“This project is all about collaborations and working together with other partners, and we committed to making a difference,” she says.
