Nal’ibali empowers young minds in Dimbaza

Written by Athenkosi Matyalana

Motivated by the goal of fostering print-rich settings, expanding access to mother language reading materials, and promoting literacy in underserved communities, the Nal’ibali Eastern Cape team and Dimbaza Library celebrated Literacy Month at Amalinde Primary School in Dimbaza, Eastern Cape, recently. The lively atmosphere of the school resonated with the joyous expressions of its learners, reflecting the vibrant environment that reading and storytelling can create.

This event was centred on a deep recognition of the transformational potential of storytelling and reading. In addition to fostering an engaging atmosphere for the schoolchildren, Nal’ibali’s storytelling sessions grew to represent a celebration of reading in the mother tongue. At the heart of this celebration was a profound acknowledgment of the transformative power of reading and storytelling. Nal’ibali’s storytelling sessions not only created an exciting environment for the school children but also became a symbol of celebration for reading in the mother tongue.

South African children, especially children from underprivileged backgrounds, face challenges with access to reading materials in their mother tongue. The celebrations conducted in IsiXhosa at the school went beyond mere entertainment, evolving into a powerful celebration of stories, laying the groundwork for literacy to thrive

Another key aspect was the school’s strong commitment to holistic education, emphasising the importance of not only providing access to reading materials but also creating a space where learners can learn about diversity, inclusion, and the value of reading through daily book-sharing sessions