A recycled library at Morojaneng Primary School is delivering measurable literacy gains, with Grade 6 learner comprehension scores increasing from 42% to 70% in two years.
The results are being highlighted by NutriDay on International Literacy Day, showing how the Tubs2Classrooms project is combining environmental sustainability with improved educational outcomes in Katlehong.
The library was donated to Morojaneng Primary School in 2024 through a partnership between Danone, DP World and Motus Community Trust, and Pick n Pay School Club.
What makes the facility different is the material used to build it. The library was constructed using bricks made from upcycled yoghurt tubs collected by schools across Gauteng through Danone’s Extended Producer Responsibility programme.
Two years after opening, assessments show improvements in reading fluency and comprehension among both Grade 3 and Grade 6 learners.
Grade 3 learners improved their reading fluency age by 2.4 years, moving from 7.1 years in 2024 to 9.5 years in 2026.
Their reading comprehension age increased from 8.2 years to 11 years, while comprehension test scores improved by 16.8 percentage points, rising from 33.2% to 50%.
Grade 6 learners recorded even greater progress.
Their reading fluency age increased by 2.9 years, from 7.6 years in 2024 to 10.5 years in 2026. Reading comprehension age improved by 4.6 years, from 9.4 years to 14 years.
Most significantly, Grade 6 comprehension test scores increased by 28 percentage points, from 42% to 70%.
Leanne Kiezer, Registered Dietitian and Head of Public Affairs at Danone Southern Africa, said the library has become part of everyday learning at the school.
“Two years later, we are proud to see the library fully integrated into the school curriculum, helping to foster a love of reading and support literacy development,” Kiezer said.
“The project is a powerful example of environmental sustainability creating lasting social impact.”
The initiative demonstrates how an environmental programme can create a second layer of social value. Yoghurt packaging that would otherwise become waste has been transformed into education infrastructure supporting literacy development.
Shayda Arbee, Trustee of DP World and Motus Community Trust, said International Literacy Day provides an opportunity to recognise the role that supportive learning environments can play in children’s development.
“Access to books, guidance and welcoming learning spaces can change how children experience reading and help build the foundational skills needed for future success,” Arbee said.
The results at Morojaneng Primary School provide a measurable picture of that impact, moving the Tubs2Classrooms project beyond simply providing a new school facility to demonstrating improvements in learner outcomes.
“By creating spaces where learners can discover the joy of reading, we are investing in future success and building lasting impact in our communities,” Kiezer concluded.
