School for deaf in District Six unveils new library

The Seven Steps Academy for the Deaf in District Six has unveiled its new school library.

The Sunshine Library, as it’s known, was made possible by work done by the Otto Foundation, a non-profit, which received support from the Kamvalethu Foundation as well as corporate and private donors.

It had cost more than R450 000 to complete the library, said Otto Foundation CEO Dr Frouwien Bosman at its launch on Wednesday September 4.

“During the design process, we also got input from the school and pupils as to what they will like in their new library,” she said.

Among the donations that made the library possible was one from Otto Foundation member Pam Hoffman’s family in memory of Ms Hoffman’s sister, Kate Hoffman, a speech-and-language therapist, who died ten years ago.

“This library at Seven Steps will be a good way to honour her legacy,” said Ms Bosman.

Ms Hoffman said: “It is really wonderful to contribute towards the creation of a new library. My sister was really passionate about books and reading, and a school like the Seven Steps Academy has wonderful opportunities for children that are hearing impaired.”

Seven Steps acting principal Toni Irvine thanked the Otto Foundation and all the donors, saying the “beautiful library” embodied both the atmosphere of Seven Steps and the needs of its children.

“This is really a warm and contained space for our pupils to find their words,” she said.

Thanking the Otto Foundation and the donors, the school’s governing body chairperson, Zukisani Silwana, said: “I am so touched by your efforts to help our children get their education. We live in a society that is divided, though one thing that can make us lead is being empowered by education.”

Seven Steps pupils read poems and sang songs to celebrate the opening of the new library.