THABO Madubedube is putting kasi children first.
The man from Somalia Park informal settlement in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, has embarked on a mission to enhance the lives of children in the community.
In December 2011, Thabo and his friends started a non-profit organisation Impumelelo Kitchen Soup & Orphanage, initially offering aftercare education and art programmes to children.
In July 2023, they achieved a big milestone by launching a library shack project that has since inspired neighbouring schools, adding that they were invited to establish a school library at Rebontseng Primary School.
Thabo said they are now actively engaging with schools across the region, building libraries, and seeking partnerships with stakeholders.
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Despite these challenges, Thabo said they've managed to pack the library with books that kids love, encouraging them to dream big.
"Our vision now is to have digital library centre for kids to move with the times," he said.
Although the library has positively influenced the lives of many kids, Thabo said that their library is too far for children to walk after school.
He said the team is actively working on building more libraries at schools to ensure broader access to books and inspire a love for learning among all children in the community.
Resident Mable Motona said: “What these people are doing is great. Our children will now study like other kids. We are happy about this, and I hope they will build similar libraries where they are needed,”
