Education has the power to change lives, and for the learners at Lavela Secondary School in Soweto, that transformation just got a major boost—thanks to Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s donation of a brand-new library and learning centre, opening doors to limitless opportunities for over 800 students.
Soweto, South Africa (17 October 2024) – Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. This timeless wisdom by Nelson Mandela has come to life in Soweto, where the learners of Lavela Secondary School have received a tremendous gift that will impact their future for generations.
Thanks to Hyundai Automotive South Africa, Lavela now has a brand-new library and learning centre, one of the latest milestones in Hyundai’s ongoing mission to support education across the country.
Hyundai Automotive South Africa, in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Company in Korea and the DP World Motus Community Trust, has proudly handed over its 22nd library to Lavela Secondary School. This project is part of the company’s long-standing corporate social investment programme, which began in 2013 and has already brought essential learning resources to many schools in previously disadvantaged communities. This brand-new facility will empower more than 800 learners at Lavela Secondary, giving them the tools and knowledge to unlock their potential.
At the handover event, the excitement and joy was palpable. Lavela’s principal, Neo Sithole, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hyundai, committing to making the most of the new resource.
He passionately remarked, “We pledge to use it effectively and efficiently, and in our purpose as educators to accompany our learners to responsible adulthood, to produce refined and cultured adults. The library, the resource centre will contribute to that.”
But this isn’t just a donation of books and shelves; it’s an investment in the future. Hyundai’s generous sponsorship also includes the salary of a trained librarian, ensuring that the resource centre will be managed professionally and maintained as a place of learning and growth for years to come. This holistic approach highlights Hyundai’s dedication to making a sustainable difference in these communities.
So why is this such a good thing? Because education is the foundation of progress. It is the cornerstone of personal growth and societal improvement. Libraries like these open up a world of possibilities for young learners. They are a gateway to knowledge, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. Hyundai’s initiative provides students with the resources to read, learn, and ultimately take control of their future.
Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, spoke about the importance of education during the event, encouraging students to seize the opportunities before them.
“The Hyundai library legacy commemorates our values and corporate investment initiatives. We pride ourselves in giving back to the community that lives among us. We believe in education as a sustainable way to change lives for the better.”
“You are deserving recipients and should all be very proud of yourselves,” he said, adding that the library represents the company’s values and commitment to community upliftment.
His inspirational words painted a vivid picture of what this initiative is all about.
“Today is like giving your school an airplane. Some of you will be scared to use it, some of you will just be passengers on the ride. But there is an opportunity for everyone to learn to become the pilot on this airplane.”
Van Rensburg also emphasised that the key to success in today’s world is understanding what you read. With technological advancements like artificial intelligence rapidly changing how we live and work, the ability to comprehend information critically is more important than ever.
This new library will equip Lavela’s students with the necessary skills to thrive in a world that values knowledge and adaptability.
“You need to be able to read with comprehension to understand. The world is evolving; we see it every day in our business. Artificial intelligence is taking over. The internet is the place where everybody goes. But the basis of all of this is you need to be able to read and understand what you read so when people tell you a story you can verify that it is the truth.”
Through its continued dedication to education, Hyundai is enriching the lives of learners and also investing in the future of South Africa. Over the past decade, the company has invested over R31,5 million in creating 22 libraries, proving that true change starts with opportunity.
This library is more than just a building filled with books—it’s a door to a world of possibilities. And as the learners of Lavela Secondary step through it, they will be empowered to change not just their lives, but the world.
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