Campaign Update – 1 School 1 Library 1 Librarian!

The Campaign for School Libraries being led by Equal Education (EE) is gaining momentum. The aim of the campaign is to get government to produce and implement a National Plan for School Libraries. At present only 7% of schools have libraries and this has to change. Here are some current highlights:

• Preparations for the Concert and March on 21 March 2010 are in full swing. Dance acts, bands and celebs are confirming their attendance, so watch this space! Our 220,000 pamphlets and 4,000 posters are being delivered in a one week’s time. We need your help to distribute them. Please contact Zingisani 0789228959 zingi@equaleducation.org.za or Yoni 0722000922 yoni@equaleducation.org.za. The task team has been working hard and needs your help visiting schools, arranging transport and much more. If you want us to visit your school, contact us. If you want your school at the concert and march, contact us!
   
• EE wants to partner with as many organisations as possible. This is not just an EE march or an EE campaign. This campaign represents all people, and all organizations, that want quality and equal education for all. If you’d like to partner with us or find out more please contact yoni@equaleducation.org.za.
   

• An EE delegation will be meeting with representatives of Minister Angie Motshekga this coming Wednesday, 10 February at Parliament. We will present the case for school libraries and hope to be assured that the Minister will be available to receive our memorandum on 21 March outside Parliament.
   
• The campaign is active throughout the country! A march is planned for Gauteng on 26 March 2010 – contact Mona Niemand onMona.Niemand@gauteng.gov.za. A march is planned for Polokwane – contact Caroline Madzhie on cmadzhie@univen.ac.za. A roadshow is planned through the Eastern Cape – contact Nomalanga Mkhizenaledi.nomalanga@gmail.com. Right now an EE team is moving through the Western Cape as far afield as Malmesbury, Caledon and Beaufort West – contact Lwandiso Stofile 0799901037lwandiso.stofile@equaleducation.org.za. So far, over 30,000 people have signed our petition. Contact Yoni (details above) to get a petition form today.
   
• The Bookery: Home of Equal Education’s Book Drive has opened at 18 Roeland Street Cape Town. This is a project to collect between 50,000 and 100,000 quality good-as-new children’s and teen’s books, donated by the people of Cape Town. These will be used to establish working township school libraries. Please visit! You can contact Rich Conyngham on 0765939310 or rich@equaleducation.org.za.
   
• We are hearing moving and exciting stories about libraries. Over 150 schools in Limpopo have now written to the MEC for Education in Limpopo asking for school libraries. For example, N.D. Maluleke, School Manager of Shihlobyeni Primary School in Limpopo province, wrote:

“Our school has been without a library since 1940 when it was established. It has been difficult to improve the culture of reading in this rural community. It is our resolve as educators, parents, learners and the entire school community to request government to establish a library.”

There are hundreds more like that. Write to your MEC for Education today!

At Vuyani Primary School in Phillipi the staff has converted their staff room into a library. This shows the conditions under which teachers in working class schools are forced to work, but we are inspired by their dedication and determination.

• Donations are being received and more are needed! Paul and Tina sent two boxes of books from the United States. Nora has 300 more to send from New Jersey. SOON we will have a tax registered vehicle for US donations. Thanks to all those in South Africa who have made cash donations in recent weeks. We need a lot more help. Busses for 21 March 2010 are going to be a big expense. Help make this the biggest gathering of youth calling for better education in decades. Here are South African bank account details: