The Executive Mayor Dan Plato, joined by Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Cllr Zahid Badroodien, today visited Leonsdale Library in Elsies River, where they engaged with Nathan Strydom and Destiny Strydom, dedicated matriculants who made use of this city facility to obtain a matric pass.
‘I am pleased that our young people continue to see the value and importance of libraries. They have long been a resource to expand one’s knowledge, as well as prepare for exams and look for work opportunities. I applaud these youth for being so dedicated to their studies. I encourage other youth to broaden their potential by making use of the more than 100 libraries across the metropole,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.
Nathan Strydom obtained two distinctions: one for English and the other for Business Studies. This achievement demonstrates how City libraries remain a valuable source of information for education.
‘I visited the library frequently during my exams and received a lot of help from library friends and librarians. I had past papers and used the study guides which helped me a lot. I am passionate about education and would like to become a teacher,’ said Nathan Strydom.
Destiny Strydom also studied at the library and was able to access the facility through the assistance of Walking Bus members. She plans on studying towards a Business Management degree.
The Leonsdale Library has been open for more than 36 years and offers SmartCape, WiFi, audio and video resources, study material, books and so much more. Libraries offer a safe space for learning and knowledge-sharing, especially in communities on the Cape Flats where safety concerns can make learning more challenging.
‘We have various programmes which offer constructive activities for the youth, including a chess club as well as a youth group which meets regularly at the library. Libraries are an important resource and offer an alternative environment to kids who use these facilities,’ said Leonsdale Senior Librarian, Daniel Arendse.