Nal’ibali is embarking on one of the biggest literacy drives in South Africa.

Join Nal’ibali, the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, as they celebrate World Read Aloud Day on Thursday 01 February. Nal’ibali is inviting caregivers, schools and communities to join them in reading a single story to children across South Africa on World Read Aloud Day. Last year the campaign read aloud to over 700 000 children and this year it hopes to reach 1 000 000 children! To download the specially-created story in any South African language and make your pledge to read aloud, visit: www.nalibali.org

Nal’ibali’s World Read Aloud Day reaches thousands of children and adults every year in its bid to raise awareness of the importance of reading aloud in children’s literacy development and school success.  

Each year Nal’ibali commissions a brand-new story for the day and translates it into all 11 official languages, asking caregivers, schools, and communities to join them in reading it aloud to children in their home languages on the same day.

Last year the campaign read aloud to almost 720 000 children. And, in 2018, it hopes to reach 1 000 000 children! To download the special story and make your pledge to read aloud with the nation on Thursday 01 February, visit www.nalibali.org.

Yesterday morning renowned South African playwright, poet, novelist and activist, Sindiwe Magona, spoke to hundreds of learners in Johannesburg.

Grade 10 learners at King Edward listen to Magona talk about her book, Mother to Mother.

Visiting a total of three schools, the learners were able to interact with the author behind their setwork books. The day started with Magona speaking at both Roedean School and King Edward VII High School about the English novel they’re studying, Mother to Mother. Provoked by the tragedy of Amy Biehl’s death in 1993, Mother to Mother is an account of life in a black township during the apartheid years. Students were able to ask questions about the text directly to the author and experience the book in a way not many learners can.

Grade 3 learners from both St John's and King Edward are eager to ask Magona questions about her African Folk Tales series.

This was followed on by a trip to King Edward VII preparatory school where learners from the neighbouring St John’s college joined their peers to listen to Magona speak about her magical and wonderful collection of African Folk Tales.

Thank you to the wonderful educators for having us over to chat to the learners about the world of books.

At New Africa Books we want to get young people excited about reading, if you’re a teacher and would like Sindiwe Magona to talk at your school then please contact us.