A mission to enrich young minds
Our world is full of fascinating people, and Xolela Mbebe is one of them.
He taught English for 22 years at one of the local high schools.
He then decided to become a subject adviser for English for grades 10 to 12, while studying for his master’s in English.
Like all good teachers, he knows his pupils will go further in pursuing their academic careers if only he can encourage them to read more.
In June 2021, he started reading clubs at four local high schools: Sixishe Agricultural School in Ezibeleni, Kwa Komani Technical School in Mlungisi, Ekuphumleni High School in Sada and N Motman High School in McBride. None of these schools have libraries. As such Mbebe, out of his own pocket, bought books for the pupils to read, which he transports in the boot of his car from school to school, enabling pupils to swop them.
He goes a step further and gives each pupil an exercise book to use as a journal.
The journal is for them to write down what they learnt from each book, as well as any new words they may have discovered.
There are 45 pupils in each of the reading clubs Mbebe has established, and there is a growing interest among other pupils.
There was even a discussion in one group recently as to how they could exchange books during the long December school holidays.
Mbebe, who suggested he meet them at a park with his mobile library, said the pupils were thrilled to hear they would still be able to get their hands on books to read during the school holidays.
Such is their desire for books and to be able to keep on reading.
Mbebe was very grateful to receive a bag of books for free, donated by a local reader who heard about his amazing journey with these pupils
Should you have books you are happy to pass on to Mbebe’s mobile library, call or WhatsApp him on 084-291-0889. He is happy to collect donations.
If you are unsure whether the books you have are suitable, Mbebe will decide.
Any popular mechanics magazines will also be widely read by these pupils.