Alex kids to get library from King David

King David Schools, in partnership with the King David Schools’ Foundation and Feed SA, will be donating a library, called the Kacev Family Library, to the Twala Centre in Alexandra, Johannesburg. The project was conceived to honour Rabbi Craig Kacev’s dedication and contribution to education in South Africa. Prior to leaving South Africa for Israel, Rabbi Kacev spent 18 years at the helm of the South African Board of Jewish Education (SABJE), and was known for his love of books and his passion for reading.

King David students have been collecting and sorting fiction, non-fiction, and educational books to donate to the library. It will be housed in a 12-metre-long insulated container which has been remodelled and fitted with electricity, lighting, carpeting, beautiful furniture, and bookshelves. The students will paint and decorate the exterior as part of an art project.

Once fully equipped, it will be transported to its new home in the Twala Centre (also known as the Alexandra Development Centre), a street away from the central shopping and commuting hub in Alexandra.

Lawrence Ruele will be tasked with the ongoing curatorship and maintenance of the library. He is the personal assistant and apprentice to Linda Twala, Alexandra’s well-known philanthropist, and vice-president of the We Love Alexandra Community Makeover Project. Under Ruele’s guidance, the library will also be cared for by the community. Several teachers, tutors, and youth have committed to assisting.

“King David Schools envisage the Kacev Family Library to be a warm, inviting educational space for the children of Alexandra to spend time reading, using their imaginations, and growing their education,” says Rabbi Ricky Seeff, General Director of the SABJE. “This long-term project is an ideal opportunity to encourage meaningful interaction and engagement between King David students and their Alexandra counterparts.”