Meet  53 year old mam Florah Dlamini. From Centocow in Mzikhulu, a small town three hours from Durban. Florah has a reading club in her community and has over the years encouraged many other parents and caregivers to do the same.

What are you currently working on for Nal'ibali and what do you enjoy doing most? 

Reading books with children is what I mostly enjoy doing. I look forward to my reading club meetings because they bring so much joy not only to me but to the children as well.

How long have you been a FUNda Leader? 

It has been five years since I have been a FUNda Leader.

As a woman, what do you feel is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength as a woman, is to mostly be able to provide solutions whenever I encounter a problem in my home and my community, and to be able to help the people around me. 

How has the Nal'ibali literacy programme helped you develop your literacy skills?

The Nal’ibali literacy programme has equipped me with skills to assist children who struggle to read and write, to help them become better readers. It has also helped me become a better storyteller. 

In what ways do women today face challenges, and how can they speak out about those challenges?

Inequality is still an issue in many communities. Women are still unable to voice their ideas or dissatisfaction. Due to their gender, especially in rural areas, women are still treated as people who can't oppose men. This can be resolved by educating both men and women about the disadvantages of inequality. 

How have people in your community received the work that you do as a Funda leader?

Community members are very happy about my input in the community which develop the knowledge of their children and build friendships among children. 

What do you enjoy the most about the Nal'ibali project, and how can you encourage others to join if they are interested?

I enjoy learning new things which develop my knowledge about children. I encourage others to join Nal’ibali by presenting to them what I have learned from Nal’ibali.  I currently have about 19 people who are interested to join. 

What can Nal'ibali do to improve children's love of reading, in deep rural areas?

Nalibali can help by establishing special reading programs where children can be taught to read because in rural areas children are still behind when it comes to literacy.

Is there any difference between kids who join the reading club and those who don't?

The children who joined the reading club are doing very well in reading compared to those who haven't and excel more at school as well. It is so nice to see a child gain confidence right before your eyes just from improving their reading skills.