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Here you will find Nal'ibali's latest news and updates. 

News & Articles

Nali'Bali in the media

A new national survey reveals that South Africans read more than we think and 83% of South Africans read in some way, whether for pleasure, to learn new things or to communicate with others, and 32% read books regularly. However, they still face significant challenges accessing reading material, especially in African languages, and most children are growing up without any children’s books at home. This is...
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Cape Town, Monday, 29 May 2023 – Nal'ibali, a national campaign focused on promoting reading for enjoyment, is organizing interactive reading sessions in various childcare centres across the Western Cape to commemorate Child Protection Week. The aim is to raise awareness about the significance of reading for early childhood development. Child Protection Week is an annual event in South Africa that aims to increase awareness...
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The Progress in Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS 2021) recently revealed that 81% of South African children in Grade 4 cannot read for meaning. Nal'ibali believes that getting children to start reading at an early age in their mother tongue and getting everyone on board can help in the fight against the literacy crisis in South Africa. The Nal'ibali Limpopo SEF team, which has 198...
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The latest results of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study  indicate that basic literacy among South African children has further deteriorated. An astounding 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language. This rate went up from 78% pre-pandemic, which evidently suggests that the South African literacy crisis is far from over. Collaborative efforts such as Yizani Sifunde are believed to be...
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Cape Town, Friday, 19 May 2023 –  The recently released Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021 results revealed that 81% of 1,127 877 grade 4 learners assessed in 2021 cannot read for meaning. The country’s response mechanisms and solutions to this crisis however remains unchanged.  The Director of Nal’ibali, Nqabakazi Gina said, “We cannot rely on fragmented interventions and linear solutions to address...
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One of the ways in which Nal’ibali spreads the love of reading is by hosting literacy events throughout South Africa. Literacy events create opportunities for children to experience Nal'ibali for themselves through listening to stories, playing games based on stories, and learning how to enjoy stories in group settings. The events also show caregivers and volunteers the power of storytelling, and how simple it...
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Nal'ibali celebrates World Book Day

Posted on
23 April 2023
World Book and Copyright Day 2023 is a moment to share stories, amplify good practice, and kick off a discussion on how early access to various forms of literature, including oral traditions, can help protect and preserves indigenous languages, cultures, and knowledge systems especially when it comes to early childhood development.                              ...
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Children's Literacy Rights

Posted on
21 March 2023
In celebration of Human Rights Day, Nal'ibali has created a Children Literacy Rights board you can use to spread the love of reading for enjoyment in your home or community.
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Reading and telling stories in mother language brings families closer and deepens cultural identity. For International Mother Language Day on 21 February, we shared  Gogo's tips for growing a love of African languages with your children.    
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Every day should be story day!

Posted on
16 January 2023
You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child. – Dr Seuss Nal’ibali, the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, has been providing a free, special story for children to celebrate World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) for over a decade. 2023 is no different. Once again, Nal'ibali is calling on all South Africans to join them in reading aloud...
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