School’s out but learning goes on in City libraries

31 March 2017

With Gauteng schools going into a two-week recess on Monday April 3, the City of Johannesburg’s Library and Information Service has put together an exciting and stimulating school holiday programme to keep learners constructively engaged throughout the autumn break.

 

Gauteng schools close on Friday May 31 and will reopen on Monday April 13. During this period the City’s various public libraries will be staging a wide range of diverse activities to keep the learners off the streets and away from mischief.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba, under whose portfolio the Library and Information Service falls, says the activities not only remove the children off the streets but also seek to enhance their reading skills so they can be better readers of tomorrow.

“The City of Johannesburg has ensured that learning does not stop and that children have a fun-filled, educational and enriching holiday,” says Cllr Sifumba.

“The main aim of all these activities is to positively engage, entertain and safeguard the youth at a time when they are at a greater risk of exposure to peer pressure, substance abuse, drugs and violence.”

During the two-week break, the youth will be able to engage in fun and educational activities that will also help to develop their skills and interests.

The activities lined up for the 10-day school holiday differ from library to library and region to region, and range from face-painting, bead-making and story-telling to computer literacy, Easter egg-hunting and playing indigenous games.

Parents can play a key role in building the reading and writing skills of their children by encouraging them to read during school holidays.

“The City of Johannesburg encourages all children to engage in these holiday activities in a safe environment, learn from them and be active,” says MMC Sifumba.

Parents have been encouraged to take their children to visit their nearest and take part in these free activities.

For more information on the school holiday programme contact your local library or go to the City website at www.joburg.org.za.