Jacaranda libraries for reading culture

Jacaranda Foundation on Friday presented a learners library to Makata Primary School in Blantyre, the 11th in the city under its Mr Luc Library programme.

Jacaranda Foundation executive director Luc Deschamps said the establishment of the reading facilities is their contribution towards achieving an effective learning environment and enhancing a reading culture among young learners.

“We first developed the library at Jacaranda Primary School then afterwards we realised there was also need to have similar structures in other schools and we, therefore, started sourcing books and materials from well-wishers,” he said.

The programme started two years ago and some institutions that have benefited from the initiative are Misesa, Kapeni, Nkolokoti, HHI and Chigumula primary schools, Trade Fair, Chigumula Community and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital Children’s Ward.

Deschamps said the impact the libraries have had on young learners has compelled them to try and extend the initiative.
He said: “We only ask the school owners to give us any room that we can use to serve that purpose.”

Head teacher for Makata Primary School Godfrey Banda said the opening of the facility will complement efforts by the government which are encouraging young learners to take interest in reading at a tender age through the national reading programme.

Banda said: “This is crucial in helping the students build a strong and wide vocabulary, alphabetical principles, fluency and comprehension. Previously we had a small library here at the school but with the coming of this one, we have been helped a lot.” n