World Book Day

Pupils at Prince George Primary School.

It was an extra special World Book Day at Prince George Primary School as they opened the doors to their very own library.

World Book Day, on April 23 every year, is celebrated to promote reading, publishing, copyright laws and the importance of reading for pleasure.

Novus Holdings in partnership with Breadline Africa donated the library to the school.

Principal Lameez Rabbaney cut the ribbon to open the new library and thanked the sponsors.

She said it is not just a library but a place for children to open up their imaginations and see beyond their immediate surroundings. “On the Cape Flats, there is a notion that crime pays; if you want a good life, joining a gang is perceived to be the easiest way to get this. Many of the pupils who attend our school are constantly reminded of this. The impact of the library will be felt for years to come, not only on the school children, but also the community. We hope that the books inspire the learners to make a positive contribution to society,” said Ms Rabbaney.

Marion Wagner, director of Breadline Africa, said the school was a deserving beneficiary of the library.

“Prince George Primary has more than 1 000 English and Afrikaans students attending the school, but has never had a designated library area. With literacy being a real concern for the school, we have seen how hard Ms Rabbaney and her team have worked to remedy this,” said Ms Wagner.

Carrie Nixon, corporate communications and marketing manager at Novus Holdings, said the company is being more active in contributing to improve communities.

“Providing schools with much-needed resources, such as libraries, will assist in making this a reality as well as empowering the youth of South Africa to not be limited by their circumstances.”