Aquafresh shapes confidence in Soweto
Aquafresh brings oral health and literacy together with new Confidence Library in Soweto 24 March 2026, Johannesburg. Shaping confidence by creating sharp minds and healthy mouths, that is the mission driving efforts to improve children’s oral health and learning outcomes across South Africa. It is a mission that is particularly relevant as the world marked World Oral Health Day on Friday, a global campaign to empower people with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to achieve good oral health. This year marks the final year of the FDI World Dental Federation’s three-year campaign theme, “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Mind”, designed to encourage positive change by educating people on the vital role a happy, healthy mouth plays in our lives.
In South Africa, that connection is especially important as an estimated 60% of six-year-old children have tooth decay, with 55% experiencing untreated decay, while more than 80% of Grade 4 learners struggle to read for meaning by the age of 10. These realities highlight an important but often overlooked connection: oral health and literacy development are intertwined. Marking World Oral Health Day, Aquafresh, one of Haleon’s leading oral health brands – strengthened its commitment to improving oral health education and childhood development through its Confidence Libraries initiative.
Aquafresh handed over a fully equipped, colourful mobile library at Bonamelo Primary School in Soweto, creating a vibrant sanctuary of learning and play for more than 600 pupils. The learners were also treated to an interactive Oral Health Care Show, educating them on proper tooth brushing techniques and self-care tips. “Confidence begins to take shape in childhood,” said Farhan Haroon, General Manager at Haleon South Africa.
“What we sometimes overlook is the role oral health plays in that journey. Being able to speak clearly and maintain a healthy mouth can have a real impact on how children express themselves and engage with the world around them.”
Haleon, a global leader in consumer health specialising in better everyday health, empowers South Africans to champion their self-care through a comprehensive portfolio of products that address pressing health priorities. Through trusted oral health brands such as Aquafresh, Parodontax and Sensodyne, the company continues to expand access to oral health education and resources across the country.
The Confidence Libraries initiative aligns with the national and global call for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to support literacy development and improve education outcomes.
“Form any of our learners, opportunities like this can open a whole new world, ” Zandile Flatela, Principal at Bonamelo Primary School said. “This library will give our learners an opportunity to explore their imagination, build confidence and develop a love for reading. We are grateful to partners like Aquafresh and Haleon for investing in the future of our children and our community. ”
Since launching in 2024, the programme has donated 10 libraries to Early Childhood Development (ECD) schools that previously lacked access to library facilities. Meanwhile, the Aquafresh Oral Health Education Programme has reached more than1020 schools since 2020, impacting over 240 000 learners across South Africa.
