MOSSEL BAY NEWS - On 8 December the DAlmeida Public library rewarded its young volunteers with certificates for their participation in library activities, programmes and projects in 2017.
This library youth volunteer group, ranging from ages 13 to 19, from various high schools was established by librarian Leilani Mondo in May.
She recognises the importance of serving the youth, the gaps in current services and the increasingly evident need to address youth development and youth issues.
With this project the library wanted to demonstrate its commitment to meeting the development needs of young adults and contribute to serving the special user needs of teens.
D’Almeida Public Library is situated in an area with many social ills, such as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, unemployment and crime.
This group of young volunteers were actively involved in assisting library staff with story hours, roleplaying during acts, the Library Chess Tournament and June, October and December holiday programmes.
Library staff thank each one of them for their hard work, dedication and perseverance.
The teens with their certificates.
Aims of project
- To get more youth involved in the community
- To engage youth in positive programmes and projects
- To include youth in library activities and the library itself
- For teens to develop a love for libraries
- To establish what libraries can do to attract more young people to the library
- To develop possible future library aids, assistants or librarians
- To start the fight against social ills that destroy our youth and community
Benefits
- Increased awareness and knowledge of library services and resources
- Development of new skills
- Youth recognised by the library and community
- Enhanced self-confidence
- Providing meaningful engagement
- Development of new relationships
- Positive images of youth in the community
- Increased youth participation.
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