New library to develop locals in Tubatse
MASHAMOTHANE
Gone are the days whereby locals will travel miles just to access internet. There is a new library to in Tubatse.
Also, job seekers from villages in Fetakgomo Tubatse municipality, now have free access to Internet to apply for jobs and do free computer literacy training at their door step.
A 25 year-old Gift Mokwena of Ga Mashamothane village opened a first community library in his village earlier this year
He is teaching kids about literature, music, art and computer literacy.
He believes he brought not only books at their door steps but computer literacy lessons as well.
“This is a place where most young people gather to explore, debate and interact. We act as the catalyst for addressing social problems.
“We are at the coal face of service delivery to recognise burning issues in the community simply because we interact on a daily basis with people from all works of life.” Mokwena said.
Mokwena opened the library after he found a building structure that was abandoned. The premises are owned by one of the local woman in the community who allowed him to use the building.
Mokwena explained that they serve as the people’s university.
“We provide information and opportunities free for all. We render free services such as access to hard copy books, novels, e- learning, free internet access, computer literacy tutorial lessons and assist with home works and assignments to most school learners.
Mokwena an avid reader said, “He is doing an incredible work to help improve local schools.
He pride himself of keeping himself away from the vulnerable temptation in the street.
He indicated that most young new moms connect at baby story times, teenagers meet up and some readers discuss current affairs.
Mokwena said ” A nation that reads is a nation that grows”.
Mokwena explained” It was for the first time when most young people in his village landed their hands on a computer key board and mouse in the library they didn’t even know how to use mouse or type their names using a key board.
Mokwena said ” It is true that reading is more lovely, when one read about things they have seen but it is a lonely skill”
He said the new library will reduce the burden for the only library In the Burgersfort town.
“It will cater local with basic information particularly in raising the level of literacy among young people.”
He indicated that the love for community development blossomed into the establishment of a library to improve the rate of literacy and matric results in Burgersfort.
Mokwena feels very happy that everything runs smooth and he is proud that he realised his dream of giving back to his community
He told Sekhukhune Times that he gets inspired and proud when everyone in the village complement him for initiating the project.
