Honouring Rene Tracy Roman

RENE Tracy Roman’s memory will be kept alive with the much-anticipated library in her name which is set to open its doors early next year.

This is a move her family and the Rene Roman Search and Rescue Team have lauded.

A second library, at Levana Primary School in Lavender Hill, which will be named Rene Roman School Library to honour the former pupil, is under construction at the school.

The 13-year-old’s body was found in a neighbour’s wendy house in March last year after she had been missing for 10 days.

Principal Andre Lamprecht said the library would not only be accessible to their pupils. but also to the broader community.

“Roman was our Grade 6 learner who was not only cherished by the school, but the community. She loved reading.

“We had always wanted a bigger library at the school that will also benefit the community, as they don’t have one. The closest community library is the Retreat Library, which requires children to cross a main highway. It is also dangerous as there are many gang shootings in our areas.

“We also want to have other after-school programmes once its up and running and invite NGOs to create a safe space within the library.”

Lucinda Evans, founder of the Rene Roman Search and Rescue Team, said: “The family is grateful for the school’s gesture. She has left a legacy that her parents and community can be proud of. My plea is that the community protects the library that is now on their doorstep, as it will help them.

“I am also happy that we have been offered a space within the library where counselling can take place; it is an essential service.

“We call upon the broader Cape Town to assist where they can in this special project.”

Leanne Reid, project director of Learning in Reach, which has been at the forefront of fund-raising, said the project was being undertaken in collaboration with The Bookery and School Aid UK.