Sandra Ndebele donates books to boost education

Renowned artist and Bulawayo Ward 20 councillor, Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi, has embarked on a transformative mission to enhance educational opportunities for students in her community. Over the past two months, Ndebele-Sibindi has donated thousands of books to schools within her ward, a move that is already making waves in the education sector.
Schools Benefiting from the Initiative

The donation drive has impacted several schools, including Nkulumane Herentals Primary and Secondary, Mgoqo Primary School, St Ernley ECD Centre, Mncumbatha Secondary School, and Mandwandwe High School, among others. The initiative aims to address challenges such as a lack of reading materials and to promote a stronger culture of literacy among students.

Mengezi Ndlovu, Ndebele-Sibindi's personal assistant, explained the motivation behind the initiative.

"From today, no child in Ward 20 will have the excuse of not being able to read. Future generations will benefit from this initiative, and we anticipate a significant improvement in pass rates at our local schools," Ndlovu said.

He further noted that the initiative is expected to boost students' confidence, particularly in English, when interacting with peers from more privileged schools.
Widespread Praise for the Initiative

Thulani Chiponda, the Matabeleland regional manager for Herentals Group of Schools, lauded the donation, highlighting its potential to improve exam preparedness and expand students' reading horizons.

"This donation will go a long way in helping learners widen their reading materials and better prepare for their examinations," Chiponda stated.

Teachers also expressed gratitude for the donation. A senior teacher from Herentals shared that the books have stocked a previously non-existent library, marking a significant milestone for the school.

"At Herentals, we emphasise the importance of our students speaking English, and they can only do so by reading. With these textbooks and novels, we're optimistic about the progress we'll see," the teacher added.

At St Ernley ECD Centre, facilitator Sibonisiwe Ncube-Bhebhe acknowledged the importance of the donation in fostering early literacy skills, particularly for young learners at the newly established centre.

"This kind gesture shows that our councillors genuinely care about our children's future, recognising the importance of early literacy skills and fostering pre-reading habits from a young age," she said.

A Relief for Parents and a Gift for Students

Parents in Ward 20 welcomed the initiative, with many expressing their relief at the financial burden lifted by the donations.

"Instead of just playing, they'll now have materials that will help them improve their reading," said Shylet Chinyande, a local parent.

Students also shared their excitement, noting that the new resources would greatly enrich their learning experiences.
A Lasting Impact

Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi's book donation drive is more than a short-term intervention—it's a long-term investment in the future of Ward 20. By equipping students with critical resources, she is fostering a generation of learners who are better prepared to succeed academically and beyond.

This initiative is yet another example of how leaders can make meaningful contributions to their communities, ensuring that every child has access to quality education.