GROWING THE LOVE FOR STORIES & READING

At the Cape Peninsula Organisation for the Aged in Lotus River, Cape Town, Cassidy Hendricks is doing more than just reading aloud this Drop Everything and Read Day. She is creating a space where senior citizens can gather, listen, reflect, and reconnect through the power of story. With every page turned, there is laughter, recognition, and sometimes quiet reflection. Drop Everything and Read Day invites us to pause, even for just a few minutes, and share a story. At the Cape Peninsula Organisation for the Aged, this simple act becomes something deeper. Stories slow us down. They open space for memory, conversation, and connection, reminding us of the value of presence and shared experience. These are the moments that remind us that stories belong to everyone. They move between people, across generations, carrying wisdom, comfort, and companionship. Because no one ever outgrows the need for a good story. #DropEverythingAndReadDay #DEARDay #Reading #ReadingForEnjoyment #Nalibali

At Siviwe Primary School, in Sebokeng, learners recently took part in a vibrant storytelling session that saw children engaging enthusiastically with a variety of books. The session created an interactive environment where learners listened attentively, responded to stories, and shared their thoughts. Educators and facilitators noted high levels of participation, with many children showing excitement and curiosity throughout the readings. According to organisers, storytelling activities like these play a key role in supporting literacy development, improving comprehension skills, and encouraging a culture of reading among young learners. The event forms part of ongoing efforts to promote reading for enjoyment in schools and communities, ensuring that more children have access to stories that educate, inspire, and entertain.

Tomorrow is DEAR Day and we are challenging you to Drop Everything And Read a book. Pause the noise. Sit with a child. Open a book. Read aloud for just 10 minutes and share a moment that could stay with them for a lifetime. 📖 Stop everything 📖 Read with intention 📖 Share a story 📖 Challenge 3 more other people 📸 Take pictures or short videos of the moment and share them by tagging us or commenting on our posts Tag us and let’s fill our timelines with the joy and power of reading. Tomorrow, we read. We connect. We change futures. #DEARDay #DropEverythingAndRead #Nalibali #StoryPower

In the rural community of Bakubung, far from the bustle of Sun City Resort, stories are creating moments of joy, connection, and imagination. Children gathered with excitement as the SEF team brought Supplement Edition 218 to life through a vibrant storytelling session. Laughter filled the space, eyes lit up with curiosity, and young minds were drawn into a world of adventure and possibility. Through playful engagement and interactive reading, the session became more than just storytime. It was a space where children felt seen, heard, and inspired, reminding us that no matter the distance, stories have the power to reach every corner and spark something meaningful.