School collection is one for the books!

Ten Mitchells Plain schools will hit the books after the Liberty Promenade #ReadDreamRepeat campaign collected a whopping 13 411 books.

The project more than doubled its target which was 6 700 boeke.

The drive aims to boost literacy levels by providing both new and pre-loved books to underprivileged local schools.

Six Mitchells Plain schools were earmarked to benefit from the campaign, including Eastville Primary, Eisleben Road Primary, Portland Primary, Searidge Park Primary, Spine Road High and West End Primary.

But due to the tremendous response from donors, an additional four schools will benefit, so they too can expand their under-resourced libraries.

The Mitchells Plain-based mall launched the campaign on Mandela Day this year and quickly gained traction, attracting donations from both the public and corporate sector.

Woolworths, Pearson, Exclusive Books, St Anne’s Homes, Pick n Pay School Club, Calamari Fisheries and Bergvliet Primary School gave generously.

Cape Town International Airport allocated space in its domestic and international terminals for additional drop-off points.

Spine Road High Principal, Mark Fairbairn, said the donations are much-needed.

“Books offer oceans of knowledge and our school has struggled with a lack of resources,” he says.

“We are deeply grateful for the donations.

“Our students will now be able to access literature that will further enhance their learning experience.”

General Manager of Liberty Promenade, Brenda Bibby, added: “As a community-centric mall, with a focus on uplifting and upskilling the local community, Liberty Promenade is thrilled at the response that this project received.

“We hope that the books donated will make a lasting contribution to the education of the learners in the recipient schools.”

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