What do you think most high school students want?

A new video game? A new surfboard or skateboard?

The kids at Thanda After-school were asked what they would like in their community and we expected answers like running water or tarred roads. However, an overwhelming number of Thanda's students said they would like to have a library in their community. They wanted a place where they could access the information and resources needed to read, research their school projects, complete their homework, and learn about opportunities to change their futures.

"Everyday we go to places and [community members] always talk about it, it is always on their talking: 'if there could be a library, I could do this; I could do this definitely...' And the community then could be something, could have such people who could make us proud here in the community because, really, the key to success is education." Spunelo, former Thanda student.

As Nelson Mandela once said: "Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that a son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine,  that a child of farm workers can become the president..."  

The Impact

Thanda's library will provide the community with the facilities they need to help themselves. It will be a safe, enriching environment where children can work together, study, and learn. We look forward to hosting storytimes that encourage reading and conducting science experiments that inspire curiosity!

Most local high school graduates are unable to find employment, so the library will also support them in their next steps for the future.   

What We Need & What You Get

Thanks to the support of many people, Thanda's library has walls and shelves. Now we need your help to finish it! In order to ensure it is a place of comfort and safety where children can read and learn, we need funding for a safety guard, carpeting ($400), a librarian, a library front desk ($250), books ($20 each), and supplies for library activities such as storytimes and arts & crafts. As this main photo shows you, the Children's Section already looks great- please help us complete the rest!