The Community Chest Handing Over Of Books Ceremony
Cornerstone Institute received the handover of R50 000 worth of books on Tuesday the 15th of September, from the Western Cape Community Chest in Partnership with Van Schaik Books.
Representatives from all three organisations were present, in an intimate, albeit, socially distanced ceremony at the Community Chest Building in Cape Town. On behalf of Cornerstone Institute, present were, Planning and Social Enterprises, Faculty Manager, Stephen Langtry and Cornerstone Institutes’ librarian and academic resources manager, Nqobile Ndlovu, joined by Eltena Rethman from Community Chest and Refilwe Itebogeng and Margaret Vyver’rambau from Van Schaik Books.
With the vision of all individuals in society reaching their potential, based on the fundamental access to education, together, Cornerstone Institute and The Community Chest have developed a pathway for community development volunteers to further their education in the sector, as well as build upon their current skills, within the community workplace. This is being achieved through the two courses Cornerstone Institute runs for community development workers, the bursaries of which are paid in full by The Community Chest. These include; the Higher Certificate and Bachelors’ degree in Community Development.
Van Schaik, kindly donated the books to the Community Chest and through the long standing relationship they have with us, Community Chest kindly selected Cornerstone Institute as the beneficiaries.
Van Schaik strongly believe in giving back to the community and are involved with a number of educational development projects. With the books Van Schaik cannot return, various campaigns and donation systems have been set up, this means the books they donate are all brand new. Education and literacy are at the heart of their organisation, strongly supporting the work of teachers through honouring the contribution they make to society.
Stephen took a moment to acknowledge the fact that times have been particularly tough for many organisations during the lockdown and yet all three organisations have shown resilience in their commitment to the communities they aim to serve and further develop. Our Librarian and Onsite Academic Resource Manager Nqobile Ndluvo has found creative ways of keeping the library accessible to our teachers and students during the past few months and despite the virtual resources available, the library continues to be a solid part of the Cornerstone Institute.
As we observe the transition from the physical into the virtual realms of education and work, this handover ceremony reminds us of the unique and special experience we have with the world of knowledge, books offer to us as a society.
Cornerstone Institute would like to thank the Community Chests. Eltena Rethman as well as, Van Schaik Books.
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