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The Citizen
5 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Novalo Learning Sector upgrades Boitumelong Secondary School library
In honour of Mandela Day, the Novalo Learning Sector visited Boitumelong Secondary School in Moriting, Thembisa, on July 18. They cleaned the school's library and donated a collection of books to help the learners improve their reading skills and vocabulary. The Novalo Learning Sector is an accredited skills development provider that equips young people with essential soft skills for life and the workplace. Their initiatives focus on empowering learners across various sectors through reading programmes, job seeker support and life-readiness training, with the core belief that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. ALSO READ: SPCAs get owl boxes in Mandela Day drive General manager Thulisile Mgidi said the initiative is part of their broader mission, 'For Mandela Day, we hoped to commemorate it through the Novalo Foundation Learning Centre. 'The core focus of the foundation is to break poverty through education, which is why we chose to support a school library,' Mgidi said. The books were donated as part of a book drive the organisation hosted in early July. 'Through research, we identified this school's library and began planning how to assist. We approached the principal, followed the necessary protocols, and were granted permission to clean and donate books. Many of the books we've donated today were given to us by Unisa,' she said. ALSO READ: EWC learners bring Mandela Day joy to Glenny Terrace seniors Despite the meaningful outcome, the day came with a few physical challenges. 'We underestimated how many tables and chairs we would have to move to clean the space. 'The library was very dusty, and our surgical masks weren't enough. Fortunately, the principal stepped in with industrial masks. Putting everything back will also be a task,' Mgidi added. The Novalo team also repaired damaged bookshelves, arriving with tools and materials to ensure the space was fully restored for learners to use.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
NYS gives funding for animal shelter improvements
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – New York State will be assisting two north country animal shelters as the state has awarded $10.4 million in funds to help 30 animal care organizations. New York Governor Kathy Hochul's announced the news on Wednesday that will provide funding across the state through the seventh round of the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund, the first state program in the nation to fund capital projects for animal shelters. Jefferson County SPCA receives funding from state for upgrades Jefferson County and the Massena Humane Society will each receive $500,000 to make improvements. Jefferson County will get the money renovate kennels, upgrade the HVAC system, repair the drainage system, and install resin flooring, concrete walls and sound proofing. The Massena Humane Society will use the funds for enhanced record keeping equipment, upgrades to the kennels, drainage and HVAC system, radiant floor heat, soundproofing and a new intake area. Animal shelters and humane societies are so much more than a port in the storm – they are a true lifeline to the animals who will one day become beloved members of New York families. From providing essential medical care to daily enrichment activities, the hardworking staff at humane societies, shelters, and SPCAs throughout the state work tirelessly to provide the best care for dogs and cats while they wait to be adopted. Through seven rounds of funding, we have seen the direct impact these projects have had on these essential facilities, and I'm proud to see the good work continue. New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball Since the 2017 launch of the Companion Animal Capital Fund program, which is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the State has dedicated over $38 million to the program. In total, 130 projects have been awarded across New York so far. Projects funded this year include updated living spaces for dogs and cats, improved HVAC and heating systems, expansions to facilities to improve medical care, as well as additional infrastructure updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.