GROWING THE LOVE FOR STORIES & READING

A simple act of kindness can spark a lifetime of reading. A heartfelt thank you to Dominique Shuttleworth for donating copies of The Brave Dassie of Nahoon to Nal'ibali. Your generosity means that many more children will experience the joy, wonder and hope that stories can bring. The Brave Dassie of Nahoon is a heartwarming South African picture book about a curious young dassie who discovers that courage isn't about being fearless, but about finding the confidence to face new adventures. It's a beautiful reminder that bravery comes in many forms. In this video, our Fundraising Specialist, Mokgethi Nkosi, proudly receives the donation on behalf of Nal'ibali. These books will travel with us to communities across South Africa, where they'll inspire children to dream big, embrace reading and discover the magic of stories. Every donated book is more than just pages. It's an opportunity to nurture a lifelong love of reading and remind every child that they, too, can be brave enough to write their own story. Thank you for helping us put stories into the hands of children who need them most.

What does it mean to parent, nurture and share stories when you experience the world without sight? In Unseen, author and artist Joanne Bloch invites readers to reflect on the experiences of caregivers who are visually impaired. Through striking artwork and thoughtful storytelling, the book explores the challenges they face while celebrating their resilience, love and the many ways they connect with their children. Many readers will know Joanne from her children's stories published by Nal'ibali, including Message in a Bottle, Busi's Gift, Ginger, and her retellings of Tselane and the Giant, The Rain Bird and The Smell Thief. In Unseen, she turns her creative lens towards an adult audience, encouraging empathy, understanding and more inclusive communities. This powerful book reminds us that every caregiver deserves to feel seen, supported and included, and that stories have the power to broaden our understanding of the world and one another.

Every story sparks a new adventure. Our Limpopo SEF Nkowankowa team brought the magic of reading to life at the Discover a Story children’s literary project with storytelling, read-alouds, songs and games that kept children smiling and engaged. Because when reading is fun, children keep coming back for more.

Our Word of the Month is inspired by Dumisani Laduduma Ntweninzi from Dlala Tata - Dad’s Play, who joined us at our Reading Clubs Workshop in Khayelitsha last month. He reminds us that even on the coldest winter days, caregivers can create lasting warmth by reading with children, even around the imbawula. “It is important to read to children, and this can be done in any space.” Every story shared becomes more than words on a page. It becomes comfort, connection, and the start of a lifelong love of reading.