My name is Eunice Blom, and I was born and raised in Danielskuil, where I still live today. From a young age, I had a deep love for books. My father played a big role in reading to me while I sat on his lap, and I looked forward to those moments. I started reading before I even began school, and my brother and sister would bring books home for me. I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to visit the library.

When I finally could, the library became one of my favourite places. I would spend hours there, reading everything I could find even the books meant for older children. I always dreamed of becoming a librarian one day so I could be around books all the time. But life took a different turn. In matric, I fell pregnant and lost the bursary that would have helped me go to university. At the time, it felt like everything had come to a stop.

After finishing school, I took on a few jobs and eventually became a manager at a furniture store. Then in 2018, I came across a job advert from Nal’ibali for a position as a Story sparker. I didn’t know much about the organisation, but I did some research and decided to apply. I got the job, and that’s where I discovered just how much I enjoy working with children.

Some of my happiest moments have come from watching children grow through reading, seeing them go from just flipping through pages to standing in front of a group and reading out loud with confidence. Being part of that journey is something I’ll always be proud of.

In 2020, when the pandemic started, some of us lost our jobs. But in 2021, I got another opportunity with Nal’ibali, this time as a Literacy Mentor. I still work with children, but now I also support parents and teachers. I help parents find ways to connect with their children through reading, and show them how to encourage their children’s learning at home.       

Even though I didn’t become a librarian like I once dreamed, I’m still doing something I love. I’m surrounded by books and helping others discover the joy of reading, just like I did when I was little.

Originally published by Lesedi Solar Parks Trust