Because Only Together We Can

build libraries, spark minds, and change futures.

Who We Are

We are a group of three high school students from Cape Town who share a passion for bringing books — and the love of reading — to communities that need them most.

Our mission is simple; to battle the lack of access to reading materials experienced by Schools within the Western Cape by creating safe, inspiring libraries from converted shipping containers.
So far, we’ve successfully implemented our first library at St Mary’s School In Nyanga.

These libraries are more than just containers housing books — they are hubs for learning, dedicated reading lessons and after school classes aimed at exposing students to the wonders of literature.

We believe every child deserves a space where imagination can grow, and that every page turned brings them closer to opportunity.

What We Do

Our Project


The Book Box Project aims to provide container libraries to schools in townships across Cape Town. These libraries will provide students with reading materials for both education and leisure – creating a safe and quiet space for exploration.

We aim to repurpose the standard 6m office shipping container, outfitting them with shelves and bean bags to create a functional and comfortable reading environment.

Scalable Development

The book box project is designed for scalability to maximize the initiative’s impact. We aim to keep our budget as low as possible, ensuring that we can roll out libraries in schools across the Cape and beyond at minimal expense without sacrificing functionality. Our current plan has identified six potential locations for future libraries, and we are committed to seeking further financial support beyond the already implemented pilot project.

This approach not only allows us to reach more students but also to adapt and grow based on the needs of each community. By focusing on sustainable practices and community involvement, we can create a lasting positive change in literacy rates across South Africa.

Impact Stories​

Big Box of Hope: how three teen boys and a container are transforming literacy in Nyanga.

In a world often defined by challenges, it’s powerful to be reminded of the impact of hope, community, and collaboration. That’s exactly what happened when three high school students – Luca Heesom, Ben Honigwachs, and Reuben Futter – turned a simple steel container into a beacon of opportunity for young learners in Nyanga, Cape Town.

https://www.bigboxcontainers.co.za/blog/a-big-box-of-hope-how-three-teen-boys-and-a-container-are-transforming-literacy-in-nyanga
 

Contact us

Ben Honigwachs
Ben.Honigwachs@Bishops.org.za



Luca Heesom
Luca.Heesom@bishops.org.za

Reuben Futter
Reuben.Futter@bishops.org.za
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