October 17, 2005
By Sipho Maduna
AS the only specialised children's library in the country, the Alexandra Children's Library is hosting the International Children's Rights Exhibition.
The C for Courage exhibition opened last week, and will run until 8 November. It is sponsored by Norway, in collaboration with Region 7's library and information services unit.
South Africa is the final stop in the exhibition's 10-nation tour; it has already visited England, France, Russia, Germany, Denmark, India, China, the United States and Norway.
Librarian Florence Mdluli and the operations manager of library and information services in Region 7, Matthew Thema
It is one of several events in a South African programme to commemorate Norway's 2005 centennial, with the country one of 11 selected to host a programme of centennial events relating to sport, culture, peace and development.
"The exhibition was developed by the Norwegian Children's Museum with the Norwegian ministry of foreign affairs," said Verity Lloyd, the library's publicist.
"[It] highlights the main rights of children, as listed in the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which South Africa is a signatory."
C for Courage is designed to teach children about their rights. It comprises three coloured tents, set up in the library. Each has a different theme - freedom, children's rights and courage.
As part of the exhibition, the library has invited experts from the Human Rights Commission to educate the children about their rights.
"The exhibition is targeting primary school children who can read and write," said Matthew Thema, the region's operations manager of library and information services.
The concept was to teach the children through writing, he added.
Since opening last week, more than 200 primary school children have visited C for Courage.
Florence Mdluli, a librarian, said the response had been very good.
When participating in the exhibition, each child receives an interactive C for Courage passport with their photograph and a booklet explaining the UN's Convention on the Rights of the Child.
These include the right to protection against all discrimination, including race, language, disability or poverty; to guidance from parents and guardians about rights; to attend school; to rest and play time; and to protection against labour, the use of narcotics and cruel punishment.
"Children must know about their rights and that rights come with responsibility," Mdluli said.
Speaking about the facilities at the library, she said it contained non-fiction book to instil a culture of reading in children. It catered for children ranging in age from toddlers to young adolescents, with free membership. Members were allowed to borrow books for three weeks.
Children from community crèches and pre-schools, such as the Alexandra Outreach Pre-School, visit every day for story telling.
The library also offers a programme for pregnant women called Born to Read. Women meet one Saturday a month to discuss motherhood issues. It has set up partnerships with local schools, crèches and parents. A Soul Buddies Club teaches children life skills, including ways to deal with abuse, drugs and HIV/Aids.
The Alexandra Children's Library was opened in 2003 as part of the Alexandra Renewal Project, which aims to improve the living space of township residents.
It has three staff members - a librarian and two assistants. It is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
For further information telephone Matthew Thema on 011 531 5571 or email him on mathewt@joburg.za; or contact Martha Murphy, a librarian on 011 264 0895 or e-mail her on marthamurphy@joburg.org.za
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