Frans Makgalo once attended Mabeba Primary School when the library doors were closed. Today, he’s back as Principal — helping create a very different experience for his students. 

Since returning in 2018, he’s served as a foundation-grade teacher, department head, and now school leader. He helped turn an unused classroom into a library and has made reading part of everyday school life — from book clubs to storytelling and reading aloud. 

“When someone makes a mistake, we don’t laugh,” he shares — a reflection of the supportive environment he’s built. 

For Frans, the library is more than a room — it’s part of creating a culture where every child sees themselves as a reader. 

Poulo, a ninth grader, is already focused on the future he wants to build. He enjoys Sesotho and English, and values how language helps him connect beyond his community. 

When he encounters unfamiliar words, he turns to the library — using books to deepen his understanding. 

With goals in business and construction, Poulo relies on the library as a safe, productive space to stay engaged after school. Access to books helps him stay focused and take ownership of his learning. 

At 10 years old, Ithabeleng already knows what she loves about school: English, Sofia the First, and her teachers. 

“They make me feel clever, like a superhero,” she says. 

With access to books and supportive educators, her confidence continues to grow — showing how libraries, paired with teacher training, become part of everyday learning.