Multilingual Story Supplements

The Nal’ibali reading-for-enjoyment campaign was officially launched in June 2012. Our aim was and still is to help build a South Africa where every child enjoys a story every day! Research shows that children who enjoy reading have a larger vocabulary, have more knowledge about more things, and can better understand how other people think and behave. Importantly, those who read for enjoyment are more likely to experience success in schooling regardless of whether they come from a wealthier or poorer home.

Is reading part of your family's daily life? If not, a great way to get started is to join the Get-Caught- Reading movement during the month of May and help your children discover the magic of books and stories. Books and stories can help us to learn about other people, animals and places without ever leaving home!

Caregivers can play a very important part in helping children choose books that will get them “hooked” on reading and stories. For example, it is very important that books for babies and pre-schoolers are in their home language wherever possible. Reading in your home language deepens understanding, knowledge and the desire to keep reading. Wordless books with pictures give you the chance to tell a story to your child in your own way. Your child can create their own stories too. Wordless books are great for children and adults who speak different languages

This year,  the Nal'ibali reading for enjoyment is celebrating its 10th annivesary! In 2012, Nal'ibali was launched as a national reading for enjoyment campaign. Its aim was to spark, and embed a culture of reading accross South Africa so that reading, writing and sharing stories, in all of the South African languages would become part of everyday. To make that vision a reality, Nal'ibali has produced many wonderful stories in all of the South African languages. These stories are shared in our bilingual supplement, as printed books and radio stories, on our website and via social media, so that every child can enjoy a story everyday.

It’s holiday time! The year is almost over and soon it will be that time of year when most of us are able to spend more time than usual with family and friends. It’s time for that long-awaited end-of-year break. That time of year when we can all slow down a bit, relax and spend time doing more of the things we enjoy.

November is International Picture Book Month – a time to celebrate those special books that capture our imagination with their carefully chosen words and beautiful illustrations. Picture books introduce our children to the world of literature. They also play a critical part in their development.

What we tell our children about girls and women is an important part of building a more equal society. And we tell them about girls and women in lots of different ways. One of these is through the stories we share with them.

Siswati/English: PDF