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GROWING THE LOVE FOR STORIES & READING

Who’s Ready to Explore?

Dive into fun resources, tools and communities to spark a love of reading.

Kids’ Corner

Dive into a world of stories, games and activities! Explore More >

Teaching Toolkit

Empowering young minds with our resources! Explore More >

Supporters’ Hub

Discover how your generosity can make a difference! Explore More >

Parents’ Place

Discover tips, tools and fun ideas to support your little reader! Explore More >

Reading CLub

Build your skills with expert resources and exciting workshops! Explore More >

Training Hub

Join the adventure with books, buddies and reading fun! Explore More >

Stories to Read

Discover amazing stories full of Africa’s colours and magic!

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Stories to Listen To

Listen to amazing audio stories from Africa’s bold and beautiful culture!

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Choose language

Rabbit learns to forgive

The hidden talent

Sports Day

Village of the cruel king

The wizard’s gift

Why porcupines search for food at night

Stories to Watch

Watch videos of wonderful stories being told!

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Something special

Wolf’s Supper

Jabu’s Diary

Anything can happen

The Storyteller of Ham

What does an angel look like?

Activity Sheets & Printables:

Unleash your imagination with exciting printables and activities!

Reading Activities
Word Activities
Colouring Printables
Storytelling Playing Cards
Posters
Here’s the Story:

Inspiring a Love for Reading

Nal’ibali (isiXhosa for “here’s the story”) is South Africa’s national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, inspiring children aged 0–12 to love reading stories in all South African languages. By promoting home languages, Nal’ibali helps children build literacy skills and develop a lifelong reading culture. Adults play a key role in nurturing this love of stories and supporting children’s growth.

Learn more

Our Campaigns

This is where Nal’ibali’s work on the ground comes to life, bringing the love of stories to children all over the country.

World Read Aloud Day

We celebrate World Read Aloud Day every year by sharing a special story in all 12 SA language…

Literacy Month

Literacy Day and Heritage Month are celebrated in September. Each year, Nal’ibali celebrates the rich diversity of culture in South Africa by reawakening a love of African stories.

World Book Day

Nal’ibali uses Book Day to highlight the importance of access to literacy materials in the mother tongue, and to distribute books across South Africa.

Mandela Month

During Mandela Month, Nal’ibali hosts reading-aloud sessions and play-based learning activities, and distributes reading materials together with partners across nine South African provinces.

Drop Everything and Read

Nal’ibali sees D.E.A.R as an opportunity to foster a culture of reading for enjoyment at schools, home, preschool and in communities…

Nal’ibali Supplement Month

June is Nal’ibali Newspaper Supplement Month. During the month, Nal’ibali celebrates the impact that the Nal’ibali bilingual…

Men’s Literacy Imbizo

This platform provides a space where men can engage in issues affecting them as reading role models…

International Mother Language Day

Nal’ibali uses Mother Language Day to raise awareness about the importance of all 12 South African languages in literacy development.

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Latest news

Nal’ibali Trust wins 2026 Library of Congress International Literacy Prize (Newzroom Afrika)

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Latest news

Ikwekwezi FM covers Nal’ibali’s literacy drive in Nkangala

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Latest news

Lorato Trok on Nal’ibali’s 2026 Library of Congress International Literacy Prize and LITASA Award

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Latest news

Literacy prize coverage

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Inspiration in Action

Catch our latest moments, stories and inspiration straight from Instagram.

@nalibalisa
Nal'ibali

@nalibalisa

Nal'ibali is a reading-for-enjoyment campaign that sparks children's potential through storytelling and reading.
  • Three learners are one step closer to the provincial stage! We joined Sedibeng West and Spelling Bee SA for an inspiring day that put learners’ confidence, language skills and love of learning in the spotlight. Learners arrived prepared, motivated and ready to give it their all, and they truly outdid themselves. Three learners progressed to the provincial level, where they will represent the district and take their skills to the next stage. We’re proud to celebrate their achievement and the teachers, families and partners who continue to create opportunities for children to grow, learn and believe in themselves.
  • Stories, books and a love of reading took centre stage at Jabavu Library! Together with Jabavu Library, we celebrated Literacy Month with learners and educators from Makola Primary School through a day filled with storytelling, writing activities, reading and plenty of fun. Learners engaged with our reading supplements, shared in stories and took part in activities designed to make reading enjoyable and meaningful. They also received books to take home, helping keep the joy of reading going beyond the library. Because building a culture of reading starts with giving children stories they can enjoy, spaces where they can read and opportunities to see themselves as readers.
  • Teen voices should shape the future of reading. What makes teenagers read? What gets in the way? And what do they need to become lifelong readers? The National Reading Barometer Teen Survey 2026 will give us a clearer picture of teenagers’ reading behaviours, attitudes and access to books, helping educators, policymakers, literacy organisations, publishers and other stakeholders better understand what teenagers need and collectively shape more relevant responses. 📅 23 September 2026 🕙 10:00–15:00 📍 NLSA Pretoria Campus, Pretoria CBD Register by 18 September. Scan the QR code on the poster to secure your spot.
  • The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
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Three learners are one step closer to the provincial stage! We joined Sedibeng West and Spelling Bee SA for an inspiring day that put learners’ confidence, language skills and love of learning in the spotlight. Learners arrived prepared, motivated and ready to give it their all, and they truly outdid themselves. Three learners progressed to the provincial level, where they will represent the district and take their skills to the next stage. We’re proud to celebrate their achievement and the teachers, families and partners who continue to create opportunities for children to grow, learn and believe in themselves.
Three learners are one step closer to the provincial stage! We joined Sedibeng West and Spelling Bee SA for an inspiring day that put learners’ confidence, language skills and love of learning in the spotlight. Learners arrived prepared, motivated and ready to give it their all, and they truly outdid themselves. Three learners progressed to the provincial level, where they will represent the district and take their skills to the next stage. We’re proud to celebrate their achievement and the teachers, families and partners who continue to create opportunities for children to grow, learn and believe in themselves.
@nalibalisa
@nalibalisa
•
Follow
Three learners are one step closer to the provincial stage! We joined Sedibeng West and Spelling Bee SA for an inspiring day that put learners’ confidence, language skills and love of learning in the spotlight. Learners arrived prepared, motivated and ready to give it their all, and they truly outdid themselves. Three learners progressed to the provincial level, where they will represent the district and take their skills to the next stage. We’re proud to celebrate their achievement and the teachers, families and partners who continue to create opportunities for children to grow, learn and believe in themselves.
1 day ago
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1/4
Stories, books and a love of reading took centre stage at Jabavu Library! Together with Jabavu Library, we celebrated Literacy Month with learners and educators from Makola Primary School through a day filled with storytelling, writing activities, reading and plenty of fun. Learners engaged with our reading supplements, shared in stories and took part in activities designed to make reading enjoyable and meaningful. They also received books to take home, helping keep the joy of reading going beyond the library. Because building a culture of reading starts with giving children stories they can enjoy, spaces where they can read and opportunities to see themselves as readers.
Stories, books and a love of reading took centre stage at Jabavu Library! Together with Jabavu Library, we celebrated Literacy Month with learners and educators from Makola Primary School through a day filled with storytelling, writing activities, reading and plenty of fun. Learners engaged with our reading supplements, shared in stories and took part in activities designed to make reading enjoyable and meaningful. They also received books to take home, helping keep the joy of reading going beyond the library. Because building a culture of reading starts with giving children stories they can enjoy, spaces where they can read and opportunities to see themselves as readers.
Stories, books and a love of reading took centre stage at Jabavu Library! Together with Jabavu Library, we celebrated Literacy Month with learners and educators from Makola Primary School through a day filled with storytelling, writing activities, reading and plenty of fun. Learners engaged with our reading supplements, shared in stories and took part in activities designed to make reading enjoyable and meaningful. They also received books to take home, helping keep the joy of reading going beyond the library. Because building a culture of reading starts with giving children stories they can enjoy, spaces where they can read and opportunities to see themselves as readers.
@nalibalisa
@nalibalisa
•
Follow
Stories, books and a love of reading took centre stage at Jabavu Library! Together with Jabavu Library, we celebrated Literacy Month with learners and educators from Makola Primary School through a day filled with storytelling, writing activities, reading and plenty of fun. Learners engaged with our reading supplements, shared in stories and took part in activities designed to make reading enjoyable and meaningful. They also received books to take home, helping keep the joy of reading going beyond the library. Because building a culture of reading starts with giving children stories they can enjoy, spaces where they can read and opportunities to see themselves as readers.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
Teen voices should shape the future of reading. What makes teenagers read? What gets in the way? And what do they need to become lifelong readers? The National Reading Barometer Teen Survey 2026 will give us a clearer picture of teenagers’ reading behaviours, attitudes and access to books, helping educators, policymakers, literacy organisations, publishers and other stakeholders better understand what teenagers need and collectively shape more relevant responses. 📅 23 September 2026 🕙 10:00–15:00 📍 NLSA Pretoria Campus, Pretoria CBD Register by 18 September. Scan the QR code on the poster to secure your spot.
@nalibalisa
@nalibalisa
•
Follow
Teen voices should shape the future of reading. What makes teenagers read? What gets in the way? And what do they need to become lifelong readers? The National Reading Barometer Teen Survey 2026 will give us a clearer picture of teenagers’ reading behaviours, attitudes and access to books, helping educators, policymakers, literacy organisations, publishers and other stakeholders better understand what teenagers need and collectively shape more relevant responses. 📅 23 September 2026 🕙 10:00–15:00 📍 NLSA Pretoria Campus, Pretoria CBD Register by 18 September. Scan the QR code on the poster to secure your spot.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
@nalibalisa
@nalibalisa
•
Follow
The Limpopo Book Fair has been a powerful reminder of what stories can do. It’s also been a special opportunity to connect with fellow Nal’ibalians, share experiences and celebrate the work we’re doing to get more children reading. Two days of stories, connections and shared purpose.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/4

Become a Hero for Literacy

Join Nal’ibali as a volunteer and help spark a lifelong love of reading in children. Together, we can build a brighter future—one story at a time.

Donate Now