Mary Robinson visits Cape Town, South Africa

01/19

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Mary Robinson during the opening of a library in the Gugulethu township. She spoke about the need for better education in South Africa and why reading and writing is important. SA is lagging behind many much poorer African countries in this respect.

02/19

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Mary Robinson during the opening ceremony, surrounded by locals. Larger picture available.

03/19

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En route to Gugulethu. Larger picture available.

04/19

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The old Library at Vuyani Primary School in Gugulethu: a crammed class room.

05/19

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The old Library at Vuyani Primary School in Gugulethu: a crammed class room.

06/19

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"One can;t have democracy when people are no able to read," Vuyani's principal said, referring to the fact that only 35% of Grade 3 pupils (age 8/9) in South Africa can read and write properly.

07/19

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The old Library at Vuyani Primary School in Gugulethu: a crammed class room without adequate reading materials. As one can see, the African history shelf is empty.

08/19

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The new Breadline Africa container library at Vuyani Primary School in Gugulethu, just before Mary Robinson opened it.

09/19

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The new Breadline Africa container library at Vuyani Primary School in Gugulethu, just before Mary Robinson opened it.

10/19

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Mary Robinson speaking about the need for better education in South Africa, and why reading and writing - and libraries - is important. South Africa is lagging behind in this regard compared to many other African countries.

11/19

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12/19

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Vuyani Primary dance group performing for Mary Robinson.

13/19

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Mary Robinson watching a performance of the Vuyani Primary dance group.

14/19

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Mary Robinson surrounded by school children.

15/19

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Vuyani Primary school kids holding books for the new library.

16/19

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Mary Robinson surrounded by school children.

17/19

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Vuyani Primary school girl.

18/19

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Mary Robinson surrounded by school children.

19/19

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Pupils at Vuyani primary school.

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Former Irish president and UN Human Rights Commissioner Mary Robinson visited Cape Town, where she opened a school library in the township of Gugulethu. She also spoke about South Africa's challenges with regards to basic education and literacy.

Former Irish president and UN Human Rights Commissioner Mary Robinson visited Cape Town, where she opened a school library in the township of Gugulethu. The library, a refurbished shipping container by the NGO Breadline Africa was opened at Vuyani primary school, one of the township's oldest schools.

Robinson also spoke briefly about South Africa's challenges with regards to basic education. Africa's largest economy is lagging behind when it comes to numeracy and literacy when compared to many other, much poorer African countries.