By Ephreeda Banda
The Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 Library officially launched the Siyafundisana eMakhanda project last week at Samuel Ntlebi Primary School—one of four local public schools participating in a literacy initiative aimed at cultivating a love for reading among Grade 1 pupils. Funded by the South African Library and Information (SALI) Trust, the project is a community engagement programme with a long-term vision for educational transformation.
Siyafundisana eMakhanda, which means “We are learning together in Makhanda”, is more than a reading initiative. The project installs vibrant, well-stocked reading corners in classrooms—filled with age-appropriate books in both isiXhosa and English. These spaces are designed to be inviting and accessible, giving pupils daily opportunities to engage with stories and build foundational literacy skills.
The initiative also supports educators with workshops on managing classroom libraries and incorporating reading into daily lessons using creative, low-cost methods. The goal is to nurture a sustainable reading culture, empowering teachers and young pupils alike.
The official launch at Samuel Ntlebi Primary was a joyful celebration. Grade 1 pupils recited passages from their new books and delighted the audience with animated storytelling. The event brought together representatives from Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网, Duna Public Library, school principals, teachers, and proud parents. All four participating schools—CM Vellem Primary, Makana Public Primary, Samuel Ntlebi Primary, and Grahamstown Seventh Day Adventist Primary—were represented.
Nomawethu Danster, Director of the Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 Library, and Diana Hornby, Director of the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s Community Engagement Division, were also present with their respective team members.
This project is closely aligned with the Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 Vice-Chancellor’s Education Initiative, which was launched following Professor Sizwe Mabizela’s inauguration in 2016. Attending the launch, Prof Mabizela reaffirmed his dedication to revitalising public education in Makhanda—especially in the foundational years.
Less than a decade later, the results are clear. Once ranked among the bottom ten education districts in the country, Makhanda now boasts a Grade 4 reading comprehension rate of 45%—more than double the national average of 19%, according to the 2021 Progress in International Reading and Literacy Study. This progress is backed by the local Makhanda Reading Comprehension Study, conducted by GADRA Education and the Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education.
“Every child in this city deserves access to quality, life-changing education,” said Prof Mabizela. He applauded educators for their dedication and called for greater collaboration between schools and families. “Support doesn’t end at the school gate,” he noted, urging parents to check homework, engage with school activities, and establish strong routines at home.
Teachers and principals shared heartfelt reflections on the initiative’s early impact, with many describing it as “planting a seed” that they hope will grow into a lifelong love of reading. There is growing hope that Siyafundisana eMakhanda will be expanded to additional grades in the near future.
“This project is a testament to what can be achieved when communities, educators, and institutions unite around a shared purpose,” said Samuel Simango, Senior Manager of Academic Support Services at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 Library. “We are excited to witness how these young learners will grow through the power of reading.”
Local businesses, such as Spar and Pick n Pay Grahamstown, provided refreshments for the event—further highlighting the community’s shared commitment to supporting literacy and education.