Encouraging pupils to read
NDYEBO Senior Secondary School and Ncedo Secondary School tied for first place in last month's inaugural inter-school library challenge.
Motherwell librarian Marianne Terblanche said the aim of the challenge was to encourage pupils to read more often and go to libraries frequently.
"We want to have challenges like this every year, giving schools an opportunity to compete with each other and at the same time motivate pupils to read books more often, but in a fun way," said Terblanche.
Five high schools from different areas in Motherwell – Masiphathisane, Ncedo, James Jolobe and Cingani Secondary School – took part.
Each school had two pupils answering questions from two books they were given to read, one in English and the other in Xhosa.
One of the winners, Sharmin Witbooi who is in Grade 11 at Ndyebo, said the English book she read was very interesting and fun.
"I could not put it down – the more I read the more I wanted to know what was going to happen on the next page. I am really excited about winning this challenge.
"I really did not expect this, my partner did not pitch but I really enjoyed myself," said Witbooi.
Tholeka Peste from Ncedo Secondary School said " winning this challenge is like a dream. I really did not expect this.
"Another thing that I have learnt from reading the books is that it teaches you things you never knew and each book has a message and it's really important to read, whether you are reading Xhosa or English books."
"The trophies they won will be taken back, so each school can keep it for a year. They will then be awarded to the school which wins the competition next year," said Terblanche.