GROWING THE LOVE FOR STORIES & READING

Our 2026 Literacy and Reading Calendar is here! Explore the key dates that celebrate stories, books, and the joy of reading throughout the year. Share it with your friends and networks so we can keep growing a nation of readers together. #Nalibali #Literacy #Reading #ReadingForEnjoyment #Storytelling #ChildrensLiteracy #ReadAloud #LoveReading #EarlyLiteracy #ReadingNation #BooksForChildren #SouthAfricaReads

As we continue to work with communities in different parts of South Africa, our next stop will be Kwa-Thema Clinic, just outside Johannesburg. Bringing Nal’ibali supplements and reading materials to the clinic is important because primary health care centres are places where families and caregivers naturally gather. While waiting to see the nurse or doctor, parents and children can open a story, read together, and turn waiting time into story time. When a parent leaves the clinic with a Nal’ibali supplement, the story often travels far beyond that one moment. It can be read again at home, shared with siblings, cousins, and even neighbours. One story can spark many conversations and help more children discover the joy of reading. We were warmly welcomed by the clinic’s leadership and look forward to hosting activations there and leaving reading materials for parents so every clinic visit can also become an opportunity to nurture a love of stories.

Our supplements are helping families in Bathurst, Ndlambe Municipality (Eastern Cape) access reading materials and bring stories into their homes. Through the dedication of our SEF4 team, this work is strengthening the Provincial Reading Strategy, especially in Strand 9. Parental involvement encourages children to read. According to our Provincial Coordinator Dr Nompucuko Zakaza communities and the Department of Education are seeing the impact as more families embrace the joy and power of reading together. #Nalibali #BuildingReaders #FamilyReading #LiteracyForAll

With Noodle, our mascot, reading becomes an adventure! The Nal’ibali team recently hosted a joyful reading activation at Acorns to Oaks Comprehensive High School in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, where learners experienced the magic of stories in a fun and engaging way. With Noodle leading the excitement, the session was filled with laughter, imagination and a shared love for reading. Encounters like this remind us that when stories are shared with joy, they ignite curiosity, confidence, and a love of reading in young minds. #Nalibali #BuildingReaders #LoveOfReading #StorytimeMagic #YoungReaders #LiteracyForAll