The youth in the community of Khubvi no longer loiter idly in the dusty streets after school after the birth of a new community library.

The Murongwe Library, which is part of Murongwe Enrichment Projects (a non-profit organisation), aims to fulfil the educational, research and recreational needs of the local youth and adults. Books were mainly donated by the National Library SA and Molteno Books literacy, with the financial assistance of the National Lotteries Trust Distribution Fund.

According to the co-director of Murongwe Enrichment Projects, Vho-Ndoweni Malala, a team of volunteers, who are mainly graduates and post-matriculants, assist pupils with their homework assignments and research on different topics and subjects. “They also assist in finding solutions to other school-related challenges through the use of available information sources,” said Malala.

The library still lacks the necessary amenities of a fully functional library, such as complete office furniture and equipment. “The library is still in dire need of some basic resources to function effectively. Some of the needs are a large multipurpose printer, two computers and Tshivenda books,” Malala said.

Murongwe Library still provides quick information access for both primary school learners and high school pupils. There are also post-matric members of the community who occasionally utilise the library to access information on different topics.

The library has become a haven of peace and security for the youth, even during school recesses. “When I am done doing my chores at home, I come to the library,” said Ondwela Netshidzivhani (10).

The Murongwe concept was inspired by the 67 Minutes of Mandela Day, where the team believes that every day is a Mandela Day. Ever since then, the library has become a centre for information for learners and the members of the community for social development purposes. “We welcome even pastors, teachers, local farmers and soccer players, who all seek field-related information,” said Malala.

Malala thanked the locals who now donate books for use in the library and said that without these people's help, the library would go no further.

The library operates from Monday to Friday. “At least around 60 pupils visit the library daily,” said Tshianeo Malala (22), a facilitator at the library. “We open at 11:00 and close at 17:00.”