The Nal'ibali-Trevor Noah Foundation Literacy Project team, along with fourteen students from seven Bramfischerville primary schools, recently took part in a three-day Human Rights Festival (21-23 March 2025) on Constitution Hill, Johannesburg. The excursion, which was inspired by Nal'ibali's Children's Literacy Rights, aimed to teach students from underserved communities about South African history and motivate them to visit new places. To increase the delight of the learners' discoveries during the festivities, the Nal'ibali-TNF team organized activities such as reading aloud, storytelling, dancing, and games. 

Day 1: Reading as a Fundamental Human Right

The activities, which ranged from stories like "Goggles to the Rescue" to a tour of the grounds for beneficiaries, aimed to teach children about their rights and how to recognize violations of them. Children were able to interact with the Nal'ibali mascot, Neo, and pick up Nal'ibali books in their preferred language to read while their parents attended the festivities. "Children must learn their human rights, and stories that teach children human rights must be written in words that they understand and in contexts that they can relate to," stated Rijiwe Songo, Project Lead of the Bramfischerville branch of the Nal'ibali-TNF Literacy Project.

Day 2: Storytelling and Play-based Learning 

The Nal'ibali-TNF Literacy Project collaborated with Sir Alba Tutoring and Arts Academy to conduct a play-based learning session for students utilizing Nal'ibali reading resources. Nal'ibali- Social Employment Fund members shared human rights-related experiences with pupils. "The delight of seeing learners connect with these stories in their context was almost palpable, and it reminded me why our job is so important," Songo said. At the end of the session, all pupils and their parents received copies of the Nal'ibali reading supplement, encouraging them to continue reading for enjoyment at home.

Day 3: We, the People Walk

The Nal'ibali mascot participated in the "We, The People Walk" on Constitution Hill on Day 3 of the Human Rights Festival. The walk, which includes South Africans from all walks of life, is a powerful display of solidarity, remembrance, and commitment to constitutional values. During the walk, the children learned about the South African Constitution, democracy, and what future generations can do to maintain human rights in the country. The learners also carried placards with messages about children's literacy rights. 

"When children understand their rights, they gain the confidence to dream, advocate for themselves, and build a better future, which is ultimately what we all strive for," Songo said.