COSAT LIBRARY

On 31 May 2007, SERI opened a small library in Khayelitsha at the Centre of Science and Technology [COSAT]. So far, it carries a stock of more than 3000 books, all carefully chosen to stimulate and amuse teenagers of varying English-language ability. It is used by the COSAT students [who are all incredibly excited at the prospect of “at last reading fun and interesting stuff”] and the Fun'ulwazi Grade 8s and 9s. So, in reality, this little “imagination station” of ours is servicing no fewer than 16 Khayelitsha schools.

These students do not have English as their mother tongue and mastering English is one of the greatest challenges they face. In fact, they cannot reach their full potential UNTIL they become proficient. Reading is a vital part of this process. Furthermore, it increases general knowledge and develops emotional maturity. THUS, THIS LIBRARY IS CENTRAL TO THE SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT OF EACH COSAT STUDENT.

COSAT is a small Science and Maths school for talented Grade 10 to 12 students, mostly from very disadvantaged backgrounds. They have all been handpicked from the local schools to study Maths, Science and IT in preparation for tertiary studies in Science-related fields. COSAT has a brilliant academic record – a 100% pass rate since its first matric class in 2001, a consistent 57 – 81% rate of endorsement passes in Maths and Science, and an impressive number of A-aggregates and subject distinctions. COSAT is a rare phenomenon – a centre of excellence in a township environment. It is one of the most successful Maths and Science interventions in the Western Cape and, in fact, the country.
The Fun'ulwazi kids attend the SERI Saturday School programme, where they are groomed for later success at COSAT. [The word Fun'ulwazi doesn't mean Let's have fun! It means: Be curious! - not that fun and curiosity can't be mixed, as SERI and COSAT have proved!]

The person driving the library project is Helen George, who taught English at COSAT from 1999 until the end of 2006, when she retired from formal teaching. She is now the chairperson of SERI.

SERI’S SECOND LIBRARY AT SIVILE IS NOW UP AND RUNNING

On 24 October 2008, a brand-new library was opened by SERI at Sivile Junior Secondary School in Ikwezi, near to Site C, Khayelitsha. This has been made possible by a very generous donation from the Imperial Bank, Medical Finances Division.
Already, this library has a stock of more than 4000 books, a fabulous building [a 9 x 4m wendy house, converted to perfection], quality pine shelving and a brand-new lap-top computer, loaded with a unique library programme, specifically designed for SERI. SERI is also funding a full-time librarian, Andiswa Njoli, of the COSAT class of 2001, to manage the library and to initiate and run a literacy programme at the school.

Each class at Sivile now has a library period once a cycle, and a ‘buddy’ programme is being piloted: In the half-hour compulsory reading period each day, the Sivile Fun'ulwazi Grade 8s and 9s pair with young learners to read with and to them. It is hoped that this programme will be extended so that it will benefit many more younger and the older learners. It is also envisaged that there will be reading mornings during the holidays – where COSAT students will become involved in a reading programme at Sivile.SERI greatly appreciates the generosity of the following organizations and individuals. Without their help, the stock of books would have been considerably less impressive.

• The Medical Finances Division of Imperial Bank for their donation of R190,000 to finance the project

• The Provincial Government of the Western Cape, who provided the shelving

• Geoff Brownell of Pudlo SA, for the rhino board that lines the structure

• Ryan Martyn of Syntech South Africa [He designed the library programme on Access that will be used at both SERI libraries.]

• Maz Magnus, for her constant help, support and organizational skills in the covering of books

• Kathy Madlener [librarian at Springfield Convent Junior School] and the Springfield mums and girls, also for the covering of books

• Jeremy George, for the fitting out of the structure