Breadline Africa

Opening of the 11th Mandela Day Container Library – 30 Sept' 11

Cans4Reading, Education | admin | October 3, 2011

Hi everyone

The eleventh Mandela Day container library was opened at the Nobuntu Senior Primary School in Dimbaza, near King William’s Town on Friday 30^th September 2011. Here is an account from Linda Buswell and Cleon Lategan, two of our staff who attended the opening ceremony On Friday:

Cleon and I arrived at Nobuntu Primary School at 9.15 am Friday morning. We were welcomed by the Principal Mr Ben Mlungwana. The container could be seen from the road and there was a hive of activity as preparations were made for the official launch. They had painted their own signs and logos on the library especially for the occasion.

The ceremony started at around 10am. The dignitaries from the Department of Education were welcomed to the school with a parade of students with the school band.

Reverend Maboza said the opening prayer and read a verse from the Bible in Xhosa.

Mr Makalima from the King Williams Town District Education Department was the first to speak. He welcomed all the guests which included Thembi Tyuku from Soul City, and members of the Department of Education Social Services Section. (ESSS), the scholars, their parents and the principal and teachers from the school. “This is indeed a very special day at this school in this area. There is no other school in this area or even in this province that has a Nelson Mandela Day library. It is greatly appreciated that this school in this area has received a gift like this.” He also went on to specially thank the sponsors and went on to say that there is no way we can understand the impact this library will have on the local community.

Ms Monyombo the facilitator for the Soul Buddyz Club in the school then spoke. “A buddy is a friend, these clubs are life orientation in action. The children do things for themselves by themselves. Your attitude determines your altitude.” The children in the club work very hard and they have the most points of any club in the Eastern Cape. They have won awards for storytelling and reading. A young student then added her own words to say thank you “If young people fail, everything will fail”. They gave us this library because they can see the commitment of the club. “We are the Care Soul Buddyz we think locally and act globally.” She also made a specific request to the Department of Education, “Please we are begging you , this container library is going to need a librarian, please get us a librarian.”

Throughout the morning there was singing and dancing from the school’s Soul Buddyz Club as well as from the choir and we were also treated to some traditional dancing.

Thembi Tyuku from Soul City gave her speech. She noted that the club in this school is one of the oldest clubs and it is very active. It has the highest points for any school in the Eastern Cape and will be representing the province at a conference to be held in Johannesburg later in the year. For this reason Nobuntu Senior Primary was chosen to receive the library. She thanked the Principal and the teachers for their support of the club in their school. She also thanked the local ESSS HIV unit for also supporting this programme. It is going to be a resource not only for this school but for the whole community. She thanked all the sponsors, for their contribution to the school and to the country as a whole.

I then spoke on behalf of Breadline Africa and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. I related the story of how the project began and told them all how proud we were to be a part of this. I noted that this is the 11^th container library that we have opened so we have exceeded our original target of 9 libraries in 9 provinces. I also went on to thank all the sponsors on the list: The Nelson Mandela Foundation, Soul City, LegalWise, South African Airways, Cell C, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Maskew Miller Longman and Biblionef.

The District Co-ordinator Ms Ntozo Gcadana, then called on the community to please make sure that the library is protected and not vandalised.

The Principal, Mr Ben Mlungwana thanked everyone for the role that they have played, he especially thanked the district officials and the role that Soul City and the Soul Buddyz Club has played in the life of the pupils of the school. “The kids have become young social workers in the community. They are responsible, committed and respectful.” Tackling the illiteracy programme at its roots is best cultivated when a person is young. Illiteracy influences are very strong so the presence of a local library within a community will help develop immunity against these influences. He also noted that most primary schools do not have libraries at all and he added his voice to a request for a full time librarian for the school. He added to the call to parents to be vigilant and to protect the container.

I then handed the keys over to Thembi who presented them to Mr. Makalima who then proudly handed them over to the school principal. Everyone then entered the library.

Rev Loni, from the Eastern Cape Lifeskills HIV/AIDS office also said a few words over lunch where he thanked every partner. “This library opens great horizons for the school. This donation has confirmed what we all know and believe that education is a societal issue not just a government issue. We all have to come on board and that is why we need good partnerships.”

Thanks to all who participated in the installing of this library. The next ones to open will most likely also be in the Eastern Cape, around the 20^th/21^st October at Qunu and Mvezo.

PRESS RELEASE: Mandela Foundation library opening in Dimbaza

Cans4Reading, Education, Press Releases | admin | September 29, 2011

PRESS RELEASE

Mandela Foundation library opening in Dimbaza

On Friday, 30 September, Nobuntu Senior Primary in Dimbaza, will receive a library, thanks to an initiative of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Breadline Africa, a Cape Town based NGO that supplies converted containers for poverty relief in Southern Africa. Two other schools in the Eastern Cape will be given container libraries in October; these are Qunu Junior School in Nobuntu and Nkwenkwezi Primary in Mvezo.

“Since the start of the initiative, we have opened 10 container libraries across the country,” Director of Breadline Africa, Tim Smith said. “This will bring a total of 13 libraries that will be placed in impoverished schools all over South Africa.”

The libraries, which cost approximately R120 000 per container to be renovated, provide a lifeline to many struggling communities. “The portable, versatile and securely recycled containers provide instant and vital infrastructure,” Smith said.

At the end of last year, Breadline Africa agreed to assist the Nelson Mandela Foundation by supplying libraries for needy schools in light of Madiba’s birthday. The first library was unveiled on International Mandela Day at Tsakane Primary School in Gauteng.

“Our aim is to break the cycle of poverty, by helping communities to help themselves,” Smith said. “We find sensible, sustainable long-term solutions to problems created by poverty and support projects that make a permanent difference in the lives of people affected by extreme poverty.”

Other organisations, corporates and sponsors participating in the initiative include Soul City, LegalWise, Maskew Miller and Longman, Biblionef, Oxford University Press, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Cell C and Container World.

ENDS
231
Distributed by Media Spot on behalf of Breadline Africa:
Beverley Houston
beverley@mediaspot.co.za
082 824 8617

Breadline Africa:
Director: Tim Smith
Project officer: Edna Titus

Opening of the 10th Mandela Day Container Library on Friday 23rd September 2011

Cans4Reading, Education | admin | September 27, 2011

Hi everyone

The Tenth Mandela Day container library was opened on the 23^rd September at the Mid-Ennerdale Primary school in Gauteng . The school was chosen because of its close association with the 46664 Bangles campaign.

The celebrations started off with energetic and enthusiastic singing and dancing by the Mid-Ennerdale Primary School kids and teachers of the Soul Buddyz group. The speeches were kicked off by the principal of the school, Mr R.O. Bhikha, who spoke about the “wonder of books” and the “wonder of reading” with the responsibility of the teachers in Mid-Ennerdale Primary School to “encourage eagerness and willingness to read”. He then thanked Soul City, Breadline Africa, Container Conversions, 46664 Bangles, the Marketing Department of Edcon Discount Division and CNA for the library and books.

Mr Christo Claassen, Chief Executive of Edcon Discount Division, explained Edcon staffs involvement in the Mandela Day Project by buying 46664 Bangles to help generate funds towards the Library Container. He also specifically mentioned that the reasons for choosing Mid-Ennerdale Primary School for receiving the Library Container was firstly because two of his staff members are from the Mid-Ennerdale community and that the community are strong supporters of the Jet brand. Mr Claassen then handed over to Mr Jurgen Schreiber, Group Chief Executive Officer of Edcon, who said a few words about the need to give back by all South Africans. Mr Robert Coutts, Chief Executive Officer of 46664 Bangles, was up next and spoke about the 46664 Bangle Program, Mandela Day and the Library Container Project going forward. The celebrations ended off with a delicious spread of snacks and beverages provided by the Marketing Department of Edcon Discount Division.

The 10th library now delivered, its on to the next container library in Dimbaza in the Eastern Cape, and helping a new community. Keep an eye out for this fantastic project that aims to change the lives of children through literacy and facilitation. Thanks to everyone who participated in installing this particular library.

Press Release – Art prize with open entry and a role for everyone

Competitions, Donations, Fundraising, Press Releases | admin | September 16, 2011

Hope in Art is delighted to announce that the second Hope in Art competition will take place in Autumn 2011. This biennial art competition is open to everyone over the age of 16 years and can be in any medium. The theme for this competition is FAIR (or anything that sounds like it, e.g. fairy, pharaoh, fare). Artists should visit www.hopeinart.com for rules and instructions for uploading images of their work so that members of the public can vote for their favourite piece. A prize of equal value will be judged by a panel of experts. This panel has yet to be finalised though Ralph Taylor, the director at Lazarides Galleries has agreed to chair it and Penelope Keith (actress) has accepted an invitation to be a member. There are three generous cash prizes, plus.

A £2,500 prize which will be awarded to the work with the most votes from the general public.
A £2,500 prize which will be awarded to the work judged as favourite by the panel of experts from art world
A prize of £500 for the most imaginative “take” on the theme in organisers’ opinion
There will also be a prize available to members of the public who register to vote.
There is no entry fee..
Deadline for entries October 15th 2011, voting and auction 16th October – 20th Nov

All the artwork entered in the competition will be available for sale online to members of the public, once the competition has closed. Money received from each sale will be split between that artist and the charity Breadline Africa.

Spirit of Hope by Andrew van de Merwe. Winner of Hope in Art 2009

‘There are as many opinions about any piece of art as there are people looking at it. A lot of people who are not involved in the art world thoroughly disagree with the choice of the judges of the Turner prize so we thought we would organise a competition where the public gets to do the judging. And if the judging is being thrown open to everyone so should the competition itself.’ – Carole Taylor, Founder, Hope in Art

Hope in Art was established in 2008 as a not-for-profit organisation intending to raise money through the medium of art for charities working in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

About Breadline Africa:

Breadline Africa is an internationally registered charity that seeks out partnerships of hope and growth in Africa. It seeks to connect people who are struggling to achieve the most basic living conditions with others who are more fortunate and in a position to make a difference.

www.breadlineafrica.org Charity Number: 1075525

Competition sponsored by Living PlanIT www.living-planit.com

Mandela Mondays: Our 67 minutes of doing good continues 12/09/11.

Mandela Monday | admin | September 15, 2011

We visited The Children’s World Soup Kitchen in Eerste River on the Cape Flats.

“Our BBC container serves as a beacon of hope for our poor impoverished community. Since the arrival of the container kitchen this project has truly boosted my morale and has broadened my horizons” says Anneline Jacobs who manages the soup kitchen in Eerste River.

Anneline Jacobs managers the BBC container soup kitchen

It is more than a year since they have received this beautiful renovated shipping container. The love and care for their fellowmen has contributed to more than one thousand meals been served. Here they welcome visitors from abroad and locally who want to lend a helping hand.

Volunteer’s serving the community

The name BBC has truly inspired them to become Bold, Brave and Courageous.

BBC Shipping Container from outside

The renovating process of the Container Soup Kitchen

Children of the community awaiting their much needed meal

Children being served a heartwarming meal

The children come to the container on a daily basis and they are sure to get a nourishing meal with a packet of sweets or juice.

The project does not only serve a nutritious meal for the hungry but has a range of activities for young and old.

Opening of the 9th Mandela Day Library Container

Cans4Reading | admin | September 9, 2011

Wednesday 7th September was the opening day for the 9th Mandela Day Library Container in Valspan Primary School, Jan Kemp Dorp in the Northern Cape Province. Debbie Beukman from our office attended and wrote the following report:

We were at the opening of the Mandela Day container library at the Valspan Intermediate Primary School. Driving up to the school you could not miss the container library as it stood proudly in the school yard. At the school we met by members of the Soul Buddyz Club. The Soul Buddyz members went to show us the library and kept on telling us that they could not believe that this was happening in their school. Mrs Ruth Mangwegape (Principal) of the school said she always wondered what the Soul Buddyz were about and what benefit they could have for the school. Today she is very proud of the Soul Buddyz Club and their achievement and she knows that the other learners appreciate the members and strive to be like them.

By having this library in the school the teachers want to encourage and motivate the learners to read. Mr Zulu from the School Governing Body stated that adults should motivate their children to read as through the books stories are told, not just the “learning” stories they have to know for school but all those stories from their different cultures, which they one day can relate to their children.

Ntswaki Phale (Soul Buddyz Facilitator) thanked all the sponsors who made the library possible. She specifically thanked all her Buddies for their hard work in the school and in their communities and for making the library a reality.

Mr Frank Meintjies of the Nelson Mandela Foundation encouraged us all to not just give only the 67 minutes. He challenged us to give more than that back to our communities. “Readers make leaders” is the statement he made. The question raised was when and where can we read? Learners can read to their parents and parents to their children. Even if you as parent cannot read, your child can read to you and you as parent can relate and retell the story to your child. The library is for every learner, teacher and parent and needs to be used to its full potential.

Nthembi Tyuku from the Soul City Institute thanked all the learners, teachers and parents for attending the opening and encouraged the learners to never underestimate small beginnings. The Valspan Soul Buddyz Club is the best in the Northern Cape and encouraged them to keep up the good work.

Debbie Beukman from Breadline Africa said a special thank you to all the Sponsors individually, as without them, such a beautiful library in a school such as Valspan Intermediate Primary would not have been possible. (A special thanks to NYK, CellC, South African Airways, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Legal Wise, Maskew Miller Longman, Soul Buddyz Club, Biblionef and Hivos SA).

Mr Motswana (Local Government) reported that in the area specifically relating to the school there is a 30% unemployment rate, only 9,8% of the learners pass at matric level and 6,7% move on to Higher Education. 41,2% of the people in the area receive child grants. This reflects a low unskilled labour force. Hopefully this library and the role it plays within this community would make a change in the Valspan area. He encouraged the learners, teachers and parents to take pride in their library and use it to its full potential.

Mr Mothibi encouraged the learners to read as in Finland they have the highest Educational Rate in the world with the ratio of 1 teacher to 5 learners. Singapore is number 5 in the world with the teacher learner ratio being 1 – 50. South Africa needs to strive to be one of the best educational systems in the world and encouraged the learners and teachers that it is within their grasp to achieve such statistics.

The handover of the library was done by Debbie Beukman (Breadline Africa) to Nthembi Tyuku (Soul City Institute) who in turn handed over to the Mr Mothibi who presented the container to the Principal of the School. All the learners of the school took a turn moving through the library and their smiles spoke for themselves. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.

The next three Mandela libraries will be opened in the Eastern Cape on the 29^th and 30^th September 2011.

Breadline Africa focuses on the need of Health Services in the Community

Cans4Hygiene, Containers | admin | September 5, 2011

The community of Thabo Mbeki in Crossroads, Cape Town desperately need a Community Health Clinic.

This was brought to our attention when a very concerned group of people contacted Breadline Africa. It was of great concern to them that elderly patients have to travel so far to get their medication as it can take hours to get to the nearest health clinic. Elderly people also often require specialised health services which necessitates bringing health care closer to the communities.

The need is so urgent that they have turned to us for help. They felt that Breadline Africa could help them to make a big difference in their community. Our refurbished container would serve as a beacon of hope for the struggling community.

Having listened to their plea we met with various role players from the Health Committee, Local Government, the Desmond Tutu Foundation, another NGO Yabonga, Sanco (South African Civic Organistaion), the community and the Local Councillor of the Thabo Mbeki community.

We visited the area where the community wishes to have the container clinic. This is an enormous informal settlement where people are living in the most unpleasant conditions. With no proper roads, water or sanitary facilities it was sad to see how people struggle to get around.

The next step is for the community to get the approval of the site from the local councillor. Once they have the right of way then only can Breadline Africa step in and help them to make a difference.

The Department of Health is indirectly and directly involved in the health needs of the elderly. Elderly patients, including those with chronic illnesses, can access health care at all levels for medication, rehabilitation and other health needs.

Our aim is to help people help themselves. We will be meeting again soon to discuss the way forward.

http://www.doh.gov.za/list.php?type=Primary%20Health%20Care

Converting Containers helps create a sustainable future for many

Cans4Reading, Containers, Education | admin | September 5, 2011

Breadline Africa buys second hand wind and water tight shipping containers with donations we receive. We enthusiastically refurbish them into functional structures that the communities can use as a springboard towards a sustainable future.

It requires an investment of time and money to recycle a container, but the rewards are remarkable. The containers can be recycled into classrooms, health clinics, community centres, soup kitchens, libraries, ablution blocks – which are just some of their many, versatile uses.

Please click on this link to DONATE or click here for more information on How You Can Help Breadline Africa Recycle Containers?

You can support Breadline Africa from anywhere in the world and your gift will help us to provide needy communities with priceless facilities.

Educating our children to read

Cans4Reading, Education | admin | September 5, 2011

That joy (of reading) has been mine all my life, and it is one I wish for all South Africans.” – Nelson Mandela.

Breadline Africa has successful placed eight Container Libraries across the country.

“Most South African schools are lacking in library facilities For many of these schools this will be the first time they will have access to a fully functioning library at their place of learning. “Having a library of our own means so much to our educators and learners. Our learners will have access to information that will equip them with more knowledge and life skills.”

These containers are being transformed into libraries, with the aid of companies and communities who have helped to paint the containers, build fences and playgrounds around them, provide bookshelves and donate books, posters and computers.”

This initiative has awakened the need of many more libraries for many local schools. Such a need was identified by a group of part-time students who is studying their BBA Degree. (Bachelor Business and Administration).

They have done a study in the areas of Nyanga and Gugulethu and found that the children in the grade from Standard 1 to Standard 5 cannot read properly. Their understanding of the English language is a real problem and of great concern for these students. It was noticed that whilst all the children can read many of them do not understand what they are reading.

Having read the article about the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Breadline Africa that has placed eight libraries across the country. This initiative has immediately given them the idea that what these communities lack is the need of a library.

They have identified two schools that will benefit from a donation of a computer library. With such a library at the school they will be able to meet with the children after school. They are eager and want to engage with these learners on a one to one basis.

They want to teach the children to read and would like them to value the knowledge that is hidden in these books. The goal is to let the children understand what they have read and to be able to write a short summary.

Breadline Africa is proud that our refurbished second hand shipping containers can add such great value.

http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2011/0617_michelle_obama_south_africa_winthrop.aspx

Three more Mandela Day Container library openings happening soon

Cans4Reading, Education | admin | September 5, 2011

The first eight Mandela Container Libraries have now been opened with great celebrations during July and August. We are now asking organisations that teach literacy and reading to become involved with making sure that they are well used.

The next opening will be on the 7^thof September in Valspan location, Jan Kemp Dorp in the Northern Cape, followed by two in Mvezo and Qunu in the Eastern Cape on the 29^thof September, and another one in Dimbaza on the 30^th of September. Our staff will be attending these, together with representatives from Soul City and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Watch our Facebook page for live updates on the day of the openings and read our blog posts for the full story.

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