In memory of a fellow student, these Cape Town kids are building a library

A library is being built in honour of Rene Roman, a Levana Primary Student who’s life ended too soon. Her memory will live on in the enrichment of others.

Rene Roman was a student at the Levana Primary School in Lavender Hill, Cape Town. Tragedy struck the community when they learned of Rene’s passing. Sadly she was just 13 when her neighbour raped and murdered her in 2017. The school decided to honour her memory.

An organisation called “Learning In Reach” started a crowdfund on BackaBuddy to help the students, school and community heal. They shared a Tibetan saying, “Tragedy should be utilised as a source of strength”. Learning in Reach is supporting them in this endeavour, together with partnering NGOs, The Bookery and School Aid UK, by building a library in Rene’s honour.

This special library is currently under construction to be completed before the end of 2018. A grand opening will set a positive tone for the start of the new school year in 2019. This library will ensure that approximately 1050 children have access to a functional library during the school day for lessons and after school for homework support. While the building has been funded, the interior will be an empty shell unless we can raise sufficient funds to install bookshelves and furniture to seat 50 children.

Rene Roman’s class teacher, the head boy and head girl of Levana were present to lay the first bricks for the “Levana Primary Rene Roman School Library”.

Learning in Reach is partnering with The Bookery to implement this important school library having opened a similar library in Seawind last year. We have the opportunity to turn tragedy into a source of strength, providing learners with an inspirational learning environment that offers a safe, peaceful but creative space. The library is poised to become a learning hub, promoting literacy and providing a space for after-school programs to be run.

The library will enrich children’s lives for years to come. The campaign has already raised R53,500.00. If you would like to assist, you can do so by donating here.

It is very special that out of such a tragic loss, something positive will be created for Rene’s fellow learners in the hope that they will have the opportunity to study and live life to its full potential.