You are in : Education

School Libraries

24 Hour Fast for School Libraries

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:57

Minimum Norms and Standards for all Schools! One School, One Library, One Librarian!

What is the 24 Hour Fast for School Libraries?

Equal Education (EE) calls on everyone to join our Fast for School Libraries from 6:00 pm on Thursday 29 July until 6:00 pm on Friday 30 July to show government that all children deserve a quality education which includes properly stocked libraries, managed by librarians.

Why is equal education fasting (not eating) for 24 hours?

As a result of EE's consistent campaigning a National Policy recognising the need for a library or library stocks in every school was published by government on 11 June 2010.

In addition, School Libraries Guidelines have been drafted, but these must be improved to give schools a clear instruction to establish libraries and must be accompanied by a budget allocation. It is crucial that post for school librarians are established.

Most importantly, Minimum Norms and Standards for School Infrastructure must be finalised for all schools. All these document will only be implemented when government has a budget, plan and timetable to ensure that all schools in South Africa have libraries with a librarian.

The campaign is working but there is a long way to go!

Why libraries?

Education is very unequal in South Africa. Only 8% of schools in South Africa have functional libraries.

Libraries play a critical role in building literacy by developing a culture of reading. They provide access to much needed information and resources and are safe places to study.

This is a matter of freedom, justice and equality. Everyone has the same rights - rich and poor.

Why fasting?

The decision to fast was taken by the EE members themselves and has been approved by the Board.

There is a long history of hunger being a tool of struggle. EE members have studied the history of the Suffragettes in the UK, the student protests in Tiananmen Square in China, and the ongoing struggle for the DREAM Act in the Unites States. We will not be starting a hunger strike, but rather we will be fasting for 24 hours.

What can you do?

• Eat supper before the Fast on 29 July together with others and then fast until 6:00 pm on 30 July.
• Wear the Fast Sticker on 30 July when you wake up to show that you are fasting.
• Write a letter to the editor of your favourite newspaper to explain why you are fasting for libaries.
• Get at least 4 other people to join the Fast with you & fast in a group.

Cape Town: Bring your own food and join EE to begin the fast at 5:30pm on 29 July 2010. Join EE to Break the Fast on 30 July at 5:30 pm outside the Cape Town International Convention Centre (Convention Square 1 Lower Long Street).

Limpopo: Join EE to begin the Fast in Limpopo on Thursday 29 July at 18:00 hrs; also Break the Fast with EE on 30 July at 18:00 pm - both at the University of Venda, Senate Chamber.

Gauteng: Join EE to Break the Fast on 30 July at 5:00 pm at the Constitutional Hill, Conference Room (Old Fort Building and Entrance, Number 1 Kotze Street, Braamfontein).

Fill out the form to show that you are fasting and send it back too EE!

Contact us to get materials: Posters, pamphlets & stickers:- . ilan@equaleducation.org.za

Schools

• Invite EE to speak about the Fast at your school to learners or teachers.
• Send us your Form to register your fast and we will send you back Fast Stickers.

Partners

Interested organisations are encouraged to join us for a partners meeting at our office in Khayelitsha on Thursday 22 July at 14:30 (Washington Square, Capital Drive, Tembokwezi - by the Trek Engen Garage near Site C). For directions to the office please see: www.equaleducation.org.za/contact/map