School Library Seminar 3 -5 June 2009 Saint George Hotel & Conference Centre

Background and Aim of the Seminar If you look at the Theme of this Seminar “School Libraries………. The Vital Cog for Teaching and Learning” it means that libraries are central to education and that the machinery of the school cannot work effectively without a functional library as a heart of the school. If you look at the Theme of this Seminar “School Libraries………. The Vital Cog for Teaching and Learning” it means that libraries are central to education and that the machinery of the school cannot work effectively without a functional library as a heart of the school.

Cont. Background and Aim The School Library Development Movement started in 1996 with the first draft national school library policy. The School Library Development Movement started in 1996 with the first draft national school library policy. Provincial initiatives – National conferences which were organized by KZN – ELITS, Gauteng Dept. of Education, Free State Dept. of Education Provincial initiatives – National conferences which were organized by KZN – ELITS, Gauteng Dept. of Education, Free State Dept. of Education

Cont. Background and Aim KZN & North West have annual provincial conference to develop teachers in their own provinces. KZN & North West have annual provincial conference to develop teachers in their own provinces. Provincial policies – KZN and Free State have policies, Gauteng has submitted one for approval. Provincial policies – KZN and Free State have policies, Gauteng has submitted one for approval. There are many grassroots initiatives in cooperation with various stakeholders such as NGO and Community Libraries. There are many grassroots initiatives in cooperation with various stakeholders such as NGO and Community Libraries.

The Role of Liasa Liasa’s role is to lobby government e.g. a meeting was held with the previous Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor and Liasa’s role is to lobby government e.g. a meeting was held with the previous Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor and Issues around school library developmet were discussed Issues around school library developmet were discussed The South African Transformation Charter The South African Transformation Charter Facilitate networking through its School Library & Youth Services Interest Group Facilitate networking through its School Library & Youth Services Interest Group

The Role of IASL The IASL role is to foster school library development throughout the world and also facilitate networking. The IASL role is to foster school library development throughout the world and also facilitate networking. Regions were encouraged to organize regional conferences/seminars which was the spark that started this seminar. Regions were encouraged to organize regional conferences/seminars which was the spark that started this seminar. This is the first seminar for Africa Sub-Saharan and it provides opportunities for Africans in this sector from all countries to meet, exchange ideas and learn from each other. This is the first seminar for Africa Sub-Saharan and it provides opportunities for Africans in this sector from all countries to meet, exchange ideas and learn from each other.

Conclusion Let us make sure that in the next 2 and half days we network and collect as many business cards as possible Let us make sure that in the next 2 and half days we network and collect as many business cards as possible We acknowledge the role and support of the GDE to make this possible We acknowledge the role and support of the GDE to make this possible SIYABONGA/THANK YOU……… SIYABONGA/THANK YOU………