| On 31 May 2007, SERI opened a small library in Khayelitsha at the Centre of Science and Technology
[COSAT]. So far, it carries a stock of just over 1100 books, carefully chosen to stimulate and amuse
teenagers of varying English-language ability. It is used by the COSAT students, as well as by the
Fun'ulwazi Grade 8s and 9s [from our outreach programme for younger students], so, in reality, this little
“imagination station” of ours is servicing no fewer than 16 Khayelitsha schools.
These students do not have English as their mother tongue and mastering English is one of the
greatest challenges they face. In fact, they cannot reach their full potential UNTIL they become
proficient. Reading is a vital part of this process, and, furthermore, it increases general knowledge and
develops emotional maturity.
In case you don't know, COSAT is a small Science and Maths school for talented Grade 10 to 12
students, mostly from very disadvantaged backgrounds. They have all been handpicked from the local
schools to study Maths, Science and IT in preparation for tertiary studies in Science-related fields.
COSAT has a brilliant academic record and is a rare phenomenon – a centre of excellence in a
township environment. It is the most successful Maths and Science intervention in the Western Cape.
THE SERI 'BOOK-RAISING' DRIVE - WE NEED YOUR HELP!
SERI is a registered non-profit organisation, so company donations are tax-deductable.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. |
