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GROWING THE LOVE FOR STORIES & READING

Who’s Ready to Explore?

Dive into fun resources, tools and communities to spark a love of reading.

Kids’ Corner

Dive into a world of stories, games and activities! Explore More >

Teaching Toolkit

Empowering young minds with our resources! Explore More >

Supporters’ Hub

Discover how your generosity can make a difference! Explore More >

Parents’ Place

Discover tips, tools and fun ideas to support your little reader! Explore More >

Reading CLub

Build your skills with expert resources and exciting workshops! Explore More >

Training Hub

Join the adventure with books, buddies and reading fun! Explore More >

Stories to Read

Discover amazing stories full of Africa’s colours and magic!

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Stories to Listen To

Listen to amazing audio stories from Africa’s bold and beautiful culture!

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Choose language

Rabbit learns to forgive

The hidden talent

Sports Day

Village of the cruel king

The wizard’s gift

Why porcupines search for food at night

Stories to Watch

Watch videos of wonderful stories being told!

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Something special

Wolf’s Supper

Jabu’s Diary

Anything can happen

The Storyteller of Ham

What does an angel look like?

Activity Sheets & Printables:

Unleash your imagination with exciting printables and activities!

Reading Activities
Word Activities
Colouring Printables
Storytelling Playing Cards
Posters
Here’s the Story:

Inspiring a Love for Reading

Nal’ibali (isiXhosa for “here’s the story”) is South Africa’s national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, inspiring children aged 0–12 to love reading stories in all South African languages. By promoting home languages, Nal’ibali helps children build literacy skills and develop a lifelong reading culture. Adults play a key role in nurturing this love of stories and supporting children’s growth.

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Our Campaigns

This is where Nal’ibali’s work on the ground comes to life, bringing the love of stories to children all over the country.

World Read Aloud Day

We celebrate World Read Aloud Day every year by sharing a special story in all 12 SA language…

Literacy Month

Literacy Day and Heritage Month are celebrated in September. Each year, Nal’ibali celebrates the rich diversity of culture in South Africa by reawakening a love of African stories.

World Book Day

Nal’ibali uses Book Day to highlight the importance of access to literacy materials in the mother tongue, and to distribute books across South Africa.

Mandela Month

During Mandela Month, Nal’ibali hosts reading-aloud sessions and play-based learning activities, and distributes reading materials together with partners across nine South African provinces.

Drop Everything and Read

Nal’ibali sees D.E.A.R as an opportunity to foster a culture of reading for enjoyment at schools, home, preschool and in communities…

Nal’ibali Supplement Month

June is Nal’ibali Newspaper Supplement Month. During the month, Nal’ibali celebrates the impact that the Nal’ibali bilingual…

Men’s Literacy Imbizo

This platform provides a space where men can engage in issues affecting them as reading role models…

International Mother Language Day

Nal’ibali uses Mother Language Day to raise awareness about the importance of all 12 South African languages in literacy development.

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Latest news

Nal’ibali Trust wins 2026 Library of Congress International Literacy Prize (Newzroom Afrika)

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Latest news

Ikwekwezi FM covers Nal’ibali’s literacy drive in Nkangala

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Latest news

Lorato Trok on Nal’ibali’s 2026 Library of Congress International Literacy Prize and LITASA Award

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Latest news

Literacy prize coverage

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Inspiration in Action

Catch our latest moments, stories and inspiration straight from Instagram.

@nalibalisa
Nal'ibali

@nalibalisa

Nal'ibali is a reading-for-enjoyment campaign that sparks children's potential through storytelling and reading.
  • Caregivers came together at Tlhabane Library for a Community of Practice, sharing experiences, ideas and practical ways to support children’s reading and learning. The session created space for caregivers to learn from one another and explore how stories, books and everyday conversations can help children develop a love for reading at home and in their communities.
  • Stories, songs and laughter filled Bokamoso Day Care in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, this morning. We spent time with our ECD children, reading stories, singing songs and sharing the joy of learning through play. It’s never too early to start a love for stories and reading.
  • Make this your month for reading. Join the reading challenge in the BookSmart app and explore stories that inspire, entertain, and stay with you long after the last page. However you read, every moment counts. Download BookSmart today and join the challenge before it ends on September 30!!!
  • Last week, we joined partners across the literacy and education sector for the launch of the Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The launch was opened by Dr Ralph Links, CEO of the NLSA, with remarks from Mr Puleng Kekana of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). A panel facilitated by Ms Nadeema Musthan of Room to Read brought together Ms Lorato Trok (Nal’ibali), Ms Nokuthula Musa (NLSA), Dr Laeticia Cassells (University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane (Department of Basic Education) and Ms Catherine Langsford (Zenex Foundation). Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, the report’s author, presented the findings, followed by responses from Mr Chase Rhys and Mr Wandile Mathe of FunDza. The pilot was led by Nal’ibali, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, with funding from the NLSA and Zenex Foundation, with the DBE contributing to the survey’s design. Read the full report and explore the findings: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026
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Caregivers came together at Tlhabane Library for a Community of Practice, sharing experiences, ideas and practical ways to support children’s reading and learning. The session created space for caregivers to learn from one another and explore how stories, books and everyday conversations can help children develop a love for reading at home and in their communities.
Caregivers came together at Tlhabane Library for a Community of Practice, sharing experiences, ideas and practical ways to support children’s reading and learning. The session created space for caregivers to learn from one another and explore how stories, books and everyday conversations can help children develop a love for reading at home and in their communities.
@nalibalisa
@nalibalisa
•
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Caregivers came together at Tlhabane Library for a Community of Practice, sharing experiences, ideas and practical ways to support children’s reading and learning. The session created space for caregivers to learn from one another and explore how stories, books and everyday conversations can help children develop a love for reading at home and in their communities.
1 day ago
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1/4
Stories, songs and laughter filled Bokamoso Day Care in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, this morning. We spent time with our ECD children, reading stories, singing songs and sharing the joy of learning through play. It’s never too early to start a love for stories and reading.
Stories, songs and laughter filled Bokamoso Day Care in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, this morning. We spent time with our ECD children, reading stories, singing songs and sharing the joy of learning through play. It’s never too early to start a love for stories and reading.
Stories, songs and laughter filled Bokamoso Day Care in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, this morning. We spent time with our ECD children, reading stories, singing songs and sharing the joy of learning through play. It’s never too early to start a love for stories and reading.
@nalibalisa
@nalibalisa
•
Follow
Stories, songs and laughter filled Bokamoso Day Care in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, this morning. We spent time with our ECD children, reading stories, singing songs and sharing the joy of learning through play. It’s never too early to start a love for stories and reading.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
Make this your month for reading. Join the reading challenge in the BookSmart app and explore stories that inspire, entertain, and stay with you long after the last page. However you read, every moment counts. Download BookSmart today and join the challenge before it ends on September 30!!!
@nalibalisa
@nalibalisa
•
Follow
Make this your month for reading. Join the reading challenge in the BookSmart app and explore stories that inspire, entertain, and stay with you long after the last page. However you read, every moment counts. Download BookSmart today and join the challenge before it ends on September 30!!!
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
Last week, we joined partners across the literacy and education sector for the launch of the Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The launch was opened by Dr Ralph Links, CEO of the NLSA, with remarks from Mr Puleng Kekana of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). A panel facilitated by Ms Nadeema Musthan of Room to Read brought together Ms Lorato Trok (Nal’ibali), Ms Nokuthula Musa (NLSA), Dr Laeticia Cassells (University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane (Department of Basic Education) and Ms Catherine Langsford (Zenex Foundation). Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, the report’s author, presented the findings, followed by responses from Mr Chase Rhys and Mr Wandile Mathe of FunDza. The pilot was led by Nal’ibali, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, with funding from the NLSA and Zenex Foundation, with the DBE contributing to the survey’s design. Read the full report and explore the findings: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026
Last week, we joined partners across the literacy and education sector for the launch of the Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The launch was opened by Dr Ralph Links, CEO of the NLSA, with remarks from Mr Puleng Kekana of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). A panel facilitated by Ms Nadeema Musthan of Room to Read brought together Ms Lorato Trok (Nal’ibali), Ms Nokuthula Musa (NLSA), Dr Laeticia Cassells (University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane (Department of Basic Education) and Ms Catherine Langsford (Zenex Foundation). Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, the report’s author, presented the findings, followed by responses from Mr Chase Rhys and Mr Wandile Mathe of FunDza. The pilot was led by Nal’ibali, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, with funding from the NLSA and Zenex Foundation, with the DBE contributing to the survey’s design. Read the full report and explore the findings: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026
Last week, we joined partners across the literacy and education sector for the launch of the Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The launch was opened by Dr Ralph Links, CEO of the NLSA, with remarks from Mr Puleng Kekana of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). A panel facilitated by Ms Nadeema Musthan of Room to Read brought together Ms Lorato Trok (Nal’ibali), Ms Nokuthula Musa (NLSA), Dr Laeticia Cassells (University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane (Department of Basic Education) and Ms Catherine Langsford (Zenex Foundation). Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, the report’s author, presented the findings, followed by responses from Mr Chase Rhys and Mr Wandile Mathe of FunDza. The pilot was led by Nal’ibali, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, with funding from the NLSA and Zenex Foundation, with the DBE contributing to the survey’s design. Read the full report and explore the findings: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026
Last week, we joined partners across the literacy and education sector for the launch of the Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The launch was opened by Dr Ralph Links, CEO of the NLSA, with remarks from Mr Puleng Kekana of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). A panel facilitated by Ms Nadeema Musthan of Room to Read brought together Ms Lorato Trok (Nal’ibali), Ms Nokuthula Musa (NLSA), Dr Laeticia Cassells (University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane (Department of Basic Education) and Ms Catherine Langsford (Zenex Foundation). Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, the report’s author, presented the findings, followed by responses from Mr Chase Rhys and Mr Wandile Mathe of FunDza. The pilot was led by Nal’ibali, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, with funding from the NLSA and Zenex Foundation, with the DBE contributing to the survey’s design. Read the full report and explore the findings: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026
Last week, we joined partners across the literacy and education sector for the launch of the Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The launch was opened by Dr Ralph Links, CEO of the NLSA, with remarks from Mr Puleng Kekana of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). A panel facilitated by Ms Nadeema Musthan of Room to Read brought together Ms Lorato Trok (Nal’ibali), Ms Nokuthula Musa (NLSA), Dr Laeticia Cassells (University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane (Department of Basic Education) and Ms Catherine Langsford (Zenex Foundation). Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, the report’s author, presented the findings, followed by responses from Mr Chase Rhys and Mr Wandile Mathe of FunDza. The pilot was led by Nal’ibali, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, with funding from the NLSA and Zenex Foundation, with the DBE contributing to the survey’s design. Read the full report and explore the findings: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026
Last week, we joined partners across the literacy and education sector for the launch of the Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The launch was opened by Dr Ralph Links, CEO of the NLSA, with remarks from Mr Puleng Kekana of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). A panel facilitated by Ms Nadeema Musthan of Room to Read brought together Ms Lorato Trok (Nal’ibali), Ms Nokuthula Musa (NLSA), Dr Laeticia Cassells (University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane (Department of Basic Education) and Ms Catherine Langsford (Zenex Foundation). Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, the report’s author, presented the findings, followed by responses from Mr Chase Rhys and Mr Wandile Mathe of FunDza. The pilot was led by Nal’ibali, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, with funding from the NLSA and Zenex Foundation, with the DBE contributing to the survey’s design. Read the full report and explore the findings: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026
Last week, we joined partners across the literacy and education sector for the launch of the Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The launch was opened by Dr Ralph Links, CEO of the NLSA, with remarks from Mr Puleng Kekana of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). A panel facilitated by Ms Nadeema Musthan of Room to Read brought together Ms Lorato Trok (Nal’ibali), Ms Nokuthula Musa (NLSA), Dr Laeticia Cassells (University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane (Department of Basic Education) and Ms Catherine Langsford (Zenex Foundation). Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, the report’s author, presented the findings, followed by responses from Mr Chase Rhys and Mr Wandile Mathe of FunDza. The pilot was led by Nal’ibali, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, with funding from the NLSA and Zenex Foundation, with the DBE contributing to the survey’s design. Read the full report and explore the findings: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026
Last week, we joined partners across the literacy and education sector for the launch of the Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The launch was opened by Dr Ralph Links, CEO of the NLSA, with remarks from Mr Puleng Kekana of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). A panel facilitated by Ms Nadeema Musthan of Room to Read brought together Ms Lorato Trok (Nal’ibali), Ms Nokuthula Musa (NLSA), Dr Laeticia Cassells (University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane (Department of Basic Education) and Ms Catherine Langsford (Zenex Foundation). Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, the report’s author, presented the findings, followed by responses from Mr Chase Rhys and Mr Wandile Mathe of FunDza. The pilot was led by Nal’ibali, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, with funding from the NLSA and Zenex Foundation, with the DBE contributing to the survey’s design. Read the full report and explore the findings: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026
Last week, we joined partners across the literacy and education sector for the launch of the Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The launch was opened by Dr Ralph Links, CEO of the NLSA, with remarks from Mr Puleng Kekana of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). A panel facilitated by Ms Nadeema Musthan of Room to Read brought together Ms Lorato Trok (Nal’ibali), Ms Nokuthula Musa (NLSA), Dr Laeticia Cassells (University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane (Department of Basic Education) and Ms Catherine Langsford (Zenex Foundation). Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, the report’s author, presented the findings, followed by responses from Mr Chase Rhys and Mr Wandile Mathe of FunDza. The pilot was led by Nal’ibali, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, with funding from the NLSA and Zenex Foundation, with the DBE contributing to the survey’s design. Read the full report and explore the findings: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026
Last week, we joined partners across the literacy and education sector for the launch of the Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The launch was opened by Dr Ralph Links, CEO of the NLSA, with remarks from Mr Puleng Kekana of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). A panel facilitated by Ms Nadeema Musthan of Room to Read brought together Ms Lorato Trok (Nal’ibali), Ms Nokuthula Musa (NLSA), Dr Laeticia Cassells (University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane (Department of Basic Education) and Ms Catherine Langsford (Zenex Foundation). Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, the report’s author, presented the findings, followed by responses from Mr Chase Rhys and Mr Wandile Mathe of FunDza. The pilot was led by Nal’ibali, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, with funding from the NLSA and Zenex Foundation, with the DBE contributing to the survey’s design. Read the full report and explore the findings: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026
Last week, we joined partners across the literacy and education sector for the launch of the Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The launch was opened by Dr Ralph Links, CEO of the NLSA, with remarks from Mr Puleng Kekana of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). A panel facilitated by Ms Nadeema Musthan of Room to Read brought together Ms Lorato Trok (Nal’ibali), Ms Nokuthula Musa (NLSA), Dr Laeticia Cassells (University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane (Department of Basic Education) and Ms Catherine Langsford (Zenex Foundation). Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, the report’s author, presented the findings, followed by responses from Mr Chase Rhys and Mr Wandile Mathe of FunDza. The pilot was led by Nal’ibali, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, with funding from the NLSA and Zenex Foundation, with the DBE contributing to the survey’s design. Read the full report and explore the findings: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026
@nalibalisa
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Last week, we joined partners across the literacy and education sector for the launch of the Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, hosted by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The launch was opened by Dr Ralph Links, CEO of the NLSA, with remarks from Mr Puleng Kekana of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). A panel facilitated by Ms Nadeema Musthan of Room to Read brought together Ms Lorato Trok (Nal’ibali), Ms Nokuthula Musa (NLSA), Dr Laeticia Cassells (University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane (Department of Basic Education) and Ms Catherine Langsford (Zenex Foundation). Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, the report’s author, presented the findings, followed by responses from Mr Chase Rhys and Mr Wandile Mathe of FunDza. The pilot was led by Nal’ibali, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, with funding from the NLSA and Zenex Foundation, with the DBE contributing to the survey’s design. Read the full report and explore the findings: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026
2 days ago
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