The rural village of Matjiesfontein is being pointed out by myself. We walked there every day across the 'vlakes' and railway lines. Here I am carrying a new box for the library cards for the school library which still needs to be set up. The tiny public library is only open half day and the children have no where to study or work through reference books like encyclopedias, Creating a school library with a study area is vital. The computer center now set up by the university has very old computers but at least its a start. At present only one teacher can access Internet via a mobile modem and she does all the searching for the junior and high school children who do not even know how to use Internet.
The Train to Matjiesfontein came as a result of us traveling to Matjiesfontein in the Western Cape of South Africa rural area. It is part of the up-liftment project of the Science and Technology Train which will travel to all the poorer areas bringing the truth and a love for science and mathematics to children who have never had the opportunity to see 'science' at its best.
Mentoring classes and computers will form part of the project. Old train carriages have already been donated, just funding is needed to get it off the ground. It is around R4 million rands for the basic project, but it can be done. Dr Stoffel Fourie from Tshwane University of Technology Science campus, has such a vision and heart for this project - it has to work.
Partners are also erecting a gigantic telescope there - largest in African. This will bring work for the poor coloured community who lives in the surrounding areas.
I am working on the side project of community up-liftment and am busy upgrading the local rural Public Library, introducing technology and mentoring - it meets the needs of the local community but not necessary the needs of the school. Too small to expand futher.
I am trying to create a school library in the town at Matjiesfontein. The school has one store room it will let me use. Needs shelves, book boxes for preschool grade, paint, carpets and windows for the to-be library, and a container for a new store room.
I have one computer and a few second hand books to give them. Have bought them a simple program for managing their stock. Will train them next time around.
I am also needing tables and chairs for the school children.
??? Can you help make make a difference in their lives. Do e-mail me kniped@tut.ac.za for an address if you want to be part of this project and have the finances to send the furniture or paint, carpets etc to me. I will make sure it reaches its destination via the Tshwane University of Technology, Science Library where I work as a Training Librarian. Together we can make a difference in the lives of the children of Africa. Denyse
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