At the 2024 LIASA Conference, Rhodes University Librarians Ms. Silindile Dube and Ms. Lucky Mosia-Xaba received the esteemed Best Lightning Talk Award for their presentation titled "Enhancing Children’s Reading Literacy through Classroom Libraries: Siyafundisana eMakhanda Project Initiative by Rhodes University Librarians".
Their presentation highlighted the Siyafundisana eMakhanda project, a collaborative effort between Rhodes University librarians and local teachers to boost children’s literacy skills in Makhanda. By creating classroom libraries in primary schools, this initiative provides young learners with accessible, engaging reading materials designed to inspire a lifelong love for reading. Their recognition at the conference reflects the impact of this project in addressing literacy challenges and enriching the educational landscape in Makhanda.
Meet the Speakers
Ms. Silindile Dube is an experienced librarian, currently serving as an Undergraduate Librarian and Information Literacy Trainer at Rhodes Main Library. With a passion for supporting student success, she has a strong background in academic librarianship, having previously worked at PC Training and Business College, the National Institute for Higher Education, and the University of Mpumalanga. At each of these institutions, she played a pivotal role in providing library services and faculty support, focusing on developing essential research and information literacy skills for students. Ms. Dube is committed to empowering learners and enhancing access to academic resources through her expertise in library services.
Ms. Lucky Mosia-Xaba is an experienced librarian with a diverse background, having spent much of her career as a legal librarian. She currently serves as the Faculty Librarian for Education and Humanities. Ms. Xaba has worked in various private, public, and academic sectors. She is passionate about teaching, supporting student literacy, and promoting academic success. In addition, she is deeply committed to community engagement within the library sector, believing that librarians can extend their impact beyond traditional roles to support local communities. Ms Xaba began her formal librarianship journey at the KwaZulu-Natal Law Society before moving on to roles at the Department of Justice in the High Court Johannesburg and the DOJ National Office in Pretoria. She has also worked at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard Colleges Campus and the Legal Resources Centre. She has held pivotal positions throughout her career, including Senior Librarian, Principal Librarian, Library Manager, and Resource Centre Coordinator, showcasing her leadership and dedication to the profession.
The recognition of the Siyafundisana eMakhanda project at the LIASA Conference not only honours the dedicated efforts of Ms. Silindile Dube, Ms. Lucky Mosia-Xaba, and their team but also reinforces the power of community-driven literacy initiatives. By fostering early reading skills and nurturing a love for books, this collaborative effort between Rhodes University librarians and Makhanda’s primary school teachers exemplifies a sustainable approach to educational empowerment. The project’s success serves as an inspiring model, highlighting the transformative role that accessible resources and committed partnerships can play in shaping the future of young learners and strengthening communities.