In commemoration of Mandela Day, NutriDay’s Tubs2Classrooms Project continues to yield a positive impact by upcycling 1 million yoghurt tubs into lightweight, durable bricks. Just as it did in 2023, this initiative not only reduced waste going to landfills but also built another library – this time for Morojaneng Primary School in Katlehong.
This collaborative effort involving Danone, Envirolite Concrete, DP World/Motus Trust, and Pick n Pay School Club demonstrates how environmental sustainability can contribute to social sustainability.
“Good health is a foundation for future progress, but a healthy body needs to be mentally stimulated too. The library, stocked with books and resources, provides an invaluable learning opportunity for children,” says Leanne Kiezer, Head of Corporate Affairs at Danone South Africa
Additionally, Danone & Hope SA conducted health screenings for the community during the day to assess their blood sugar and pressure and conducted eye tests.
“It’s encouraging to witness the positive change brought about by such partnerships inspired by Danone’s Impact Journey and we are extremely grateful that we have the opportunity to make such a fundamental difference in the South African community in areas where it matters most,” continues Kiezer.
Closing SA’s reading and health gap
81% of Grade 4 South African children are unable to read for meaning. This speaks volumes to the historic challenges within the education sector and it is heartening to see this collaboration amongst the private sectors.
Partnerships with like-minded organisations brought the library to life. The DP World/Motus Trust furnished and stocked the library with books and resources and employed the services of a librarian to ensure the integration of reading programmes into the daily curriculum of the learners. Pick n Pay School Club activated the education and tub collection programme, teaching learners the potential of a yoghurt tub if it is recycled. Collectively, the programme is improving our children’s ability to read while helping to raise recycling advocates.
“This is the 80th library to be produced by DP World/Motus Trust. Our partnership with Danone Southern Africa has introduced the exciting new element of recycling and environmental sustainability into our journey to improve literacy levels across South Africa,” says Mr Veli Mokoena, proud Trustee of DP World/Motus Trust.
“Today is a great day – not only for our students but also for the community around us. The library represents a hub of knowledge, creativity, and imagination. It is a space where minds will expand, ideas will flourish, and dreams will take shape. The Hope SA mobile clinic will help raise health awareness for many of our community members,” adds Mr Douglas Chirwa Principal at Morojaneng Primary School.
