Limpho Sello
THE Transformation Resource Centre (TRC), in conjunction with Books for Lesotho International, on Monday donated English novels and set books to SefateSaBophelo Primary School and St Angela Cheshire Home for Disabled Children.
According to TRC Head of Information and Resource CentreMothaeMoletsane, the donation was part of the civic organisation’s initiative of distributing books to 26 schools countrywide to foster a reading culture. The campaign is being conducted with the assistance of the Australia-based Books for Lesotho International.
Mr Moletsane said TRC had been donating books to schools, orphanagesand prisons around the country since 2008 to establish mini libraries meant to improve English language proficiencyand general knowledge on various issues.
“It is through reading that we get informed and educated on various issues.We felt it was important that the books aredistributed since most schools in the country, especially in rural areas, don’t have libraries,” he said, adding that they donate the books to selected schools over five years.
“The challenge of limited proficiency in spoken and written English language has become a barrier for a lot of students in continuing with their studies. Through this initiative, we hope to bridge that gap since some schools cannot afford to source books for their students.
“Afterwe distribute the books at the schools, we encourage the teachers to establish reading clubs.”
In his remarks Books for Lesotho International President, David Linn, said they hadcollaborated with TRC since 2007, spurred by the desire to inculcate a reading culture among Basotho.
“I must also add that the partnership became a success because of our love for Lesotho,” Mr Linn said.
On her part,SefateSaBophelo Primary School Principal,ManthatisiMolepe said since they started receiving the books four years ago, the pupils’ reading and communication skills had improved.
“The children come to the library to borrow the books and return them after a week in good condition,”Ms Molepe said.
“I am glad to announce that these children value the books very much.Even their parents take responsibility and ensure the books are returned because they know that if they lose them they will have to buy them.
“Duringassembly in the morning, the children present what they would have read and their pronunciation and spelling continues to improve. We have indeed seen progress in their learning.”
