We would like you to meet Mukize Patrick Habiyaremye. Patrick is in Grade 7 at Muizenberg Primary School. He is hoping to get an Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship: he’s waiting to hear whether he has been shortlisted for a camp, after which a final 30 students will be offered a five-year scholarship.
One of the requirements is to start a project in your community. Because of his love for books, Patrick decided to collect books from family, friends and learners at his school in order to donate the books to underprivileged children in his community. Why books specifically?
“The reason why I chose this specific idea is because books interest me. When I was growing up my grandparents had a book library at home. I got interested in reading books. When I read books it improved my English and concentration. Books are expensive to buy and many kids cannot afford them and sometimes libraries can be far away.”
Patrick collects books from a Muizenberg legend, Aunty Sue (she is affectionately known as the book lady), who turns her home (and heads!) by donating books from her home on Tuesdays. Patrick says:
“She has lots of books in her house, garage and the yard. I love books very much.”
The great thing about Patrick’s project is the involvement of his family and school. His mom and two aunts helped him to select his final idea. Patrick has even started a home library! Friends and classmates are donating books as well. He had to pitch his idea to his school, addressing the children in assembly and going from class to class.
“It made me more confident to perform in front of audience because I am normally shy. The children were proud to be part of a good cause to help others have a smile and books to read. It also helped me realise how privileged I am to have a school library with so many great books. We managed to get more than 200 books. We exceeded my goal so that made me realise that many people wanted to help the community.”
Phoebe with staff and children at Vrygrond Community Library
He ended up collecting more than 500 books! 200 books were distributed amongst friends and to Thomas Wildschutt Junior Primary School. More books continue to come in, he says.
He approached FunDza to ask our help in donating some of the excess books on his behalf to schools/libraries. We selected one of our beneficiaries, Vrygrond Community Library to be the recipient of the donation.
He recently got another box of books which will be taken to another township library during the holidays. We have a feeling that Patrick will connect many more young readers with books and that this is just the beginning of his journey with many more beneficiaries in the future.
His school counsellor, Ms Gabby Cloete says: “Patrick worked hard on this project and was able to pull it off in his usual gentle and unassuming manner. He is a wonderful young man.”
We wish Patrick all the best with the scholarship application. We are so lucky to have him on our doorstep. See you at his library soon?