WHAT IS THE 24 HOUR FAST FOR SCHOOL LIBRARIES?
Equal Education (EE) calls on everyone to join our Fast for School Libraries from 6:00 pm on Thursday 29 July until 6:00 pm on Friday 30 July to show government that all children deserve a quality educationwhich includes properly stocked libraries, managed by librarians.
WHY IS EQUAL EDUCATION FASTING (NOT EATING) FOR 24 HOURS?
As a result of EE’s consistent campaigning a National Policy recognising the need for a library or library stocks in every school was published by government on 11 June 2010. In addition, School Libraries Guidelines have been drafted, but these must be improved to give schools a clear instruction to establish libraries and must be accompanied by a budget allocation. Most importantly, Minimum Norms and Standards for School Infrastructure must be finalised for all schools. All these document will only beimplemented when government has a budget, plan and timetable to ensure that all schools in South Africa have libraries with a librarian. The campaign is working but there is a long way to go!
WHY LIBRARIES?
Education is very unequal in South Africa. Only 8% of schools in South Africa have functional libraries. Libraries play a critical role in building literacy by developing a culture of reading. They provide access to much needed information and resources and are safe places to study. This is a matter of freedom, justice and equality. Everyone has the same rights – rich and poor.
WHY FASTING?
EE has written a dozen letters to government, met with key officials, held numerous marches and delivered the largest education petition since democracy in South Africa. Some are hearing us, but others still need to be convinced. The decision to fast was taken by the EE members themselves and has been approved by the Board.
There is a long history of hunger being a tool of struggle. EE members have studied the history of the Suffragettes in the UK, the student protests in Tiananmen Square in China, and the ongoing struggle for the DREAM Act in the Unites States. We will not be starting a hunger strike, but rather we will be fasting for 24 hours.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
o Eat supper before the Fast on 29 July together with others and then fast until 6:00 pm on 30 July.
o Wear the Fast Sticker on 30 July when you wake up to show that you are fasting.
o Write a letter to the editor of your favourite newspaper to explain why you’re fasting for libaries.
o Get at least 4 other people to join the Fast with you & fast in a group.
o CAPE TOWN: Bring your own food and join EE to begin the fast at 5:30pm on 29 at New Site C Hall, Khayelitsha. Join EE to Break the Fast on 30 July at 5:30 pmoutside the Cape Town International Convention Centre (Convention Square 1 Lower Long Street).
o LIMPOPO: Join EE to begin the Fast in Limpopo on Thursday 29 July at 18:00 hrs; also Break the Fast with EE on 30 July at 18:00 pm – both at the University of Venda, Senate Chamber.
o GAUTENG: Join EE to Break the Fast on 30 July at 5:00 pm at the Constitutional Hill, Conference Room (Old Fort Building and Entrance, Number 1 Kotze Street, Braamfontein).
o Contact us to get materials: Posters, pamphlets & stickers – ilan@equaleducation.org.za .
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HOW CAN YOU GET THIS FORM BACK TO EQUAL EDUCATION?
o Drop it off at EE office: Washington Square, Capital Drive (Near Zola High School and Engen Trek Garage), Thembokwezi, Khayelitsha.
o Drop it off at theEqual Education Bookery: 20 Roeland Street, Cape Town, (021 461 4189.
o Fax to: 086 601 0666.
o Post to: PO Box 40114, Elonwabeni, 7791.
o Call for help: 021 387 0022/3 or 0719034497.
SUPPORT THE FAST AND JOIN EE ON:
Facebook: “24hr Fast for School Libraries”
Mixit: +27 72 333 12343
SCHOOLS
o Invite EE to speak about the Fast at your school to learners or teachers.
o Send us your Form to register your fast and we will send you back Fast Stickers.
PARTNERS MEETING
Interested organisations are encouraged to join us for a partners meeting at Community House, Salt River on Thursday 22 July at 14:30 (Salt River Rd).
Contacts
Cape Town & National
Ilan Strauss
083 473 2080 / 021 387 0022
Gauteng
Mona Niemand
083 407 6047
Johannesburg – wits
Samuel Fenyane
0781913703
Limpopo
Caroline Madzhie
0722938201
Lloyd Lungu