Kid Maponya Primary School in Kagiso, west of Johannesburg, celebrated the handover of a brand-new mobile library for foundation-phase learners, a beacon of hope designed to inspire a love of reading and support young learners in developing vital literacy skills.
The initiative aims to bridge South Africa’s growing literacy gap by making books more accessible and fostering a strong reading culture within the school and surrounding community. By bringing stories directly to the children, the school hopes to transform reading from a classroom task into a daily habit that fuels curiosity and confidence.
Deputy principal Botshinyane Marumo expressed deep gratitude for the donation, saying it comes at a crucial time for families in the area.
“We are very humbled by this handover,” said Marumo. “Many of our learners come from households that cannot afford books. This library gives them an opportunity to dream, to learn, and to imagine a bigger world.”
Marumo shared that the school once had a library, but it became non-functional due to a lack of books.
“With this new mobile library, we now have enough material to make reading fun and engaging again. We’ve already selected two teachers who will work closely with the learners to help improve their reading skills,” she added.
The intervention comes against a worrying backdrop. According to the latest Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), a staggering 80% of South African Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning, a statistic that continues to raise alarms about the country’s education system.
Marumo admitted that some learners at the school still struggle to read for meaning, but the school is actively addressing the issue.
“We’ve dedicated special days for reading, anything from newspapers to magazines and storybooks,” she said. “We want to make reading part of their everyday lives.”
The event also highlighted the link between literacy, health, and confidence. Gauteng school health coordinator Mary Rapoo said the project aligns with the foundation-phase curriculum, which promotes holistic child development.
“Confidence and good health go hand-in-hand with doing well in class,” she explained. “Many children don’t have basic items like toothbrushes or toothpaste at home. By teaching self-care and hygiene, we’re also building healthy, confident learners who can thrive both in school and beyond.”
The library handover was donated by Aquafresh and forms part of its “Confidence Beyond Oral Care” initiative, which pairs literacy development with oral health education.
Yanga Mbedu, senior brand manager of the brand, said the initiative is about empowering children with both knowledge and self-belief.
“Confidence is built one step at a time. Every tooth brushed, every story read, one healthy habit formed after another – that’s how our children will win. We hope this mobile library project gives these children the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and the confidence to take care of themselves every day.”
Mbedu noted that oral health remains a serious challenge in lower-income communities, with untreated cavities and gum disease common due to poor access to dental care and healthy diets.
According to the Economist Impact Health Inclusivity Index, improving oral health across the population could save South Africa R40 billion over a lifetime and up to R74 billion through targeted interventions in low-income areas.
By linking reading and wellness, Aquafresh is proving that corporate initiatives can be powerful tools for social change. Through this mobile library, Kid Maponya learners are not just gaining access to books; they are being given the confidence to smile, to learn, and to shape a brighter, healthier future for themselves and their communities.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za