JEFFREYS BAY – Since the launch of the Crystal Clear JBay colouring competition, in partnership with Kouga Local Municipality’s Jeffreys Bay Library earlier this month, more than one thousand entries have been received. But in the end, only three young winners were crowned — the youngest being three-year-old Aaric Euvrard.
At the prize-giving ceremony, Kouga Deputy Executive Mayor, Timothy Jantjes, emphasised the importance of libraries and reading.
“Kids these days are all about technology. Books and libraries are underestimated. Reading improves speech and language proficiency. Life is about education and acquiring knowledge. The parents of the three winners should be proud of them. Parents must encourage them always to do their best.”
Dolores Putter from Crystal Clear JBay Waters said the idea behind the competition was to give the library more exposure.
“We noticed that the library receives little attention. Hence, the idea was to create exposure by doing something special that encourages children to participate. We got several sponsors and thought we’d receive between 500 and 600 entries — but we ended up with more than 1,000.”
Sponsors included Crystal Clear, Kouga Municipality, Wacky Water Park, CC Prints, Kodak Express, PostZone, JBay Print, Infinity Printing, JBay Canvas, Pitout Trading and GPA Consulting Management Accountants.
Librarian Zukiswa Xokwe welcomed the initiative.
“I was happy when Crystal Clear approached me, because my duty is to ensure that the community is involved in the library and does not get left behind in anything we do. It’s not only about exposure, but also about learning from others who are not necessarily librarians. This competition was important because we are creating a generation of literate children, starting with the young.
“It was overwhelming to receive all the entries. I was so excited to see schools willing to participate, and parents coming into the library to collect entry forms. Since it was the first time the competition was held, we thought it best to limit entries to ages 3 to 9.”
For three-year-old Aaric Euvrard, winner of the 3–5 age category, victory came as a surprise. His mother, Gillori, said: “This is an absolute bonus. We come to the library every Monday. We take out nine books that we think will last two weeks, but end up finishing them much sooner. We recently discovered the non-fiction section for children at the back of the library, and we’re thrilled to explore that with our boys.”
Nahum Juba, winner of the 6–7 age group, said he was “thrilled” with his win.
“I took about five or six minutes to complete the drawing. I am very thankful for all my prizes.”
The 8–9 category winner, Ernest Fuba, from Pellsrus Primary, was encouraged to enter by his teacher.
His mother, Esterlene, said: “I am very proud of him and was excited when I received the call withthe good news. We often visit the library, and I am very happy that he won,” said the proud Grade 3 learner’s mom.
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