State-of-the-art library unveiled at Liv Village
LIV Village School unveiled its first-ever library dedicated to senior learners, featuring a diverse array of books alongside cutting-edge digital learning tools.
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IN a significant leap forward for education at LIV Village, the school has inaugurated its first-ever library dedicated to senior learners, featuring a diverse array of books alongside cutting-edge digital learning tools.
The initiative represents a collaborative effort by the Durban-based technology company Ignition Group, in partnership with the LEARN Project and LIV Village, aimed at uplifting the educational experiences of vulnerable and orphaned children.
LIV Village, renowned for its holistic residential care, provides a safe haven for children deprived of family support.
Most of the children attend the on-site LIV School, a registered Independent School comprising of an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre, a Primary and a Secondary School.
The new library stands as a beacon of hope, promising transformative educational opportunities within this nurturing environment.
The LEARN Project is a non-profit trust that reaches out to schools and children in need. Their goal is to equip these schools with reading books and to create sustainable libraries and classroom book corners.
Samantha Botha, head of group marketing at Ignition Group, said it was more than just a collection of books.
"The project represents a powerful investment in learning, literacy and the digital future of South Africa’s youth, empowering them for a brighter future, in an increasingly connected world.
“For LIV Village, which provides homes, education and care for orphaned and vulnerable children, the opening of the new library is an incredible way to make a lasting, sustainable difference in lives and in a community,” said Botha.
Botha said being able to read is something many take for granted, yet for so many South African children it is out of reach without access to books and proper teaching.
"Reading is the first step to opening the world to young learners and through digital tools, these learners will be able to build the skills they need to participate fully in the digital economy,” she said.
The space will combine the magic of a traditional library with the innovation of a digital one, giving learners access to books, selected by their teachers, as well as tablets loaded with educational apps in reading, maths, coding and more.
Elena Wood, LIV Village school librarian said the library was a vital place for their learners because they don’t have access to phones or computers in their homes.
“The children use it to research projects, complete homework, learn new songs for choir or band, and even Google random facts. They’re going to be amazed when they first walk in and I imagine most of the high school learners will want to spend every break and lunchtime here and even convince their teachers to bring lessons into the space more often,” said Wood.
Jonathan Tanyanyiwa, LIV Village School headmaster, said: “Libraries are more than just rooms filled with books; they are gateways to worlds unknown, platforms for ideas, and safe spaces for exploration. In an era where information is abundant, but wisdom is rare, this library will stand as a cornerstone of critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning."