GROWING THE LOVE FOR STORIES & READING

A single introduction to the right book can change a life. One of the outstanding librarian assistants in Thembisa, rre Dondo Dithebe, shares how his love and appreciation for motivational and self-help books began. In the video below, he explains how his friend rre Sipho Moganedi introduced him to this powerful genre. Through these books, rre Dondo discovered new ways of thinking about personal growth, resilience, and purpose. Today, that passion continues to shape his journey and the dedication he brings to his work in the library. Watch the video below as rre Dondo narrates this moving story.

At their Early Childhood Development centre in Valhalla Park, Cape Town, mama Gabeeba Sulaiman and baba Sulyman Adams welcome children and families into a space where stories, play and learning come together. Inside, little ones gather with facilitators on the floor, exploring books, toys and creative activities. These joyful moments nurture a lifelong love of reading. As South Africa celebrates Family Day today, their centre shows what is possible when families, caregivers and communities place stories at the heart of a child’s day. At Nal’ibali, we know that reading does not only happen in classrooms. It begins in homes, ECD centres and community spaces where adults share stories, listen and create time for children’s imaginations to grow. Family Day celebrates the people who make these moments possible. When families read, tell stories, sing and play together, they build strong bonds and raise confident, joyful readers. #Nalibali #FamilyDay #StoryPower #ReadingForEnjoyment

The Nkowankowa SEF team continues to bring the power of stories closer to families through dedicated home visits. By stepping into homes, the team connects directly with caregivers and children, sharing simple and joyful ways to read, tell stories and create a culture of reading together. These visits help families see that reading for enjoyment can happen anywhere, whether through a storybook, a song or a story shared from memory. Through these meaningful moments, the SEF team is strengthening families, supporting caregivers and nurturing young readers in Nkowankowa one home at a time. #Nalibali #ReadingForEnjoyment #StoryPower #CommunityLiteracy

Makgotso Shares What She Learnt from Her Cut-Out Storybook. Makgotso Mashishi from the Grade 5 Reading Club at Dikolobe Primary School in Mankweng proudly shared what she learnt after reading a cut-out-and-keep story from the Nal’ibali newspaper supplement. The best part about these stories? Children cut out the pages and put the parts together to make their very own book! Just like that, a newspaper turns into a storybook they can keep, read again and share with friends. Makgotso’s story sharing sparked excitement and conversation in the reading club, showing how stories can inspire young readers to think, imagine and learn together. #Nalibali #CutOutAndKeep #ReadingClubs #StoryPower #YoungReaders