Nal'ibali, Amaso eAfrica Farmers, and the Reeston community in East London, Eastern Cape, came together to celebrate the International Day of Families at Amaso Reading Club in the heart of Reeston, on 17 May 2025. The event aimed to provide enjoyable experiences for families through storytelling and reading in their mother tongue, uniting parents, children, and Nal'ibali reading club leaders to celebrate African languages, families, songs, dance, and stories.

Empowering children

Children from the Reeston community participated in storytelling and play-based learning activities such as singing traditional songs and dancing. Dr. Nompucuko Zakaza, Nal'ibali's Eastern Cape Coordinator, led the children in singing and dancing to kick off the festivities. In addition to teaching the children about iintsomi (folklore), the Nal'ibali team read them stories from the Nal'ibali children's stories anthology and reading supplement.

It was amazing to witness the children's confidence in reading aloud. The children, who are also members of several Nal'ibali reading clubs, demonstrated exceptional comprehension, enthusiasm, and reading abilities. They not only understood the plot but also gave each character a personality. "We brought this event here because children need reading materials, and we want to keep them reading so they can avoid negative influences. This event brought joy to families while also providing hope to those in need," Dr. Zakaza explained.

Caregiver inclusion

Ten caregivers participated in play-based activities, read aloud to children, and shared stories from the Nal'ibali children's supplement with the children, contributing to the event's family atmosphere.

The parents praised Nal'ibali for supporting their children in strengthening their reading abilities and interest in isiXhosa. I used to watch television shows about Nal'ibali. At home, we speak Afrikaans and isiXhosa, but we're having trouble with the latter. "When he joined Amaso Reading Club, his isiXhosa vocabulary and reading improved," Beverley Vena, one of the parents in attendance, said.

Collaboration as a way to boost literacy

Collaboration amongst South African nonprofit community development organisations can help to address the country's literacy deficit. Nal'ibali and Amaso eAfrica Farmers together to make the Eastern Cape International Day of Families event a success.

Nal'ibali provided reading materials, training, and oversaw the festivities. Amaso eAfrica Farmers provided transportation, a venue, and refreshments for the occasion. We appreciate Nal'ibali's participation today. "The parents who participate in our farming project recognise that there is more to what we are doing," Amaso eAfrica Farmers'  Director Bukelwa Lukabya stated. "We hope that this collaboration can continue because it empowers both parents and children."

Nal'ibali is leading the charge for increased access to reading materials for children, assisting carers in creating a learning culture in their homes, and improving literacy in South Africa through collaboration with community organisations, reading clubs, and literacy organisations.