The Nal'ibali Trust expands its 'reading for enjoyment' campaign

Jade Jacobsohn, Nal’ibali Trust’s managing director, says, "Literacy mentors across the country will be hosting public book exchange events where everyone is encouraged to bring and swap a book, enjoy storytelling and read-aloud sessions and find out more about how they can read and share stories effectively with their children."

How it works

The book exchange welcomes books of any variety; printed or handmade books for adults or children can be swapped. Those bringing books to exchange will receive a special sticker, which can be placed on the inside cover.  

The sticker provides an opportunity for the previous owner to inscribe their name and location before passing it on.

Illiteracy in South Africa

A recent study by PIRLS shows that 78% of grade four learners in South Africa are illiterate.  

"If a learner is unable to read properly, they will never get a firm grasp on the first rung of the academic ladder and will fall further and further behind," says Stellenbosch University education professional Nic Spaull.   

Research shows that only 35% of adults read regularly to their children and very few are readers themselves.  

However, according to the study, teachers, parents and caregivers can play a significant role in children’s literacy development. The Nal’ibali Trust book exchange aims to be a way for caregivers and adults to start to modelling positive reading behaviours and become reading role models for their children.

Other Nal’ibali projects to promote reading

Jacobsohn adds, "Nal’ibali also produces bilingual newspaper supplements fortnightly, during term time. The print-rich material includes stories, literacy activities, reading and reading club tips and support to inspire and guide parents, caregivers, teachers, librarians and reading clubs, to make reading and storytelling meaningful, enjoyable and accessible."  

"There are also weekly broadcasts of audio stories in all 11 South African languages and a network of over 1 000 reading clubs in six provinces. First prize is to bring 'reading for enjoyment' into homes, schools and communities."

Ambassadors for reading

In an aim to support the drive, South African public figures will be bringing along their own books to swap at exchanges in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Limpopo. They will also be signing up to Nal’ibali Trust’s volunteer network – FUNda Leader.

FUNda Leader is open to anyone who would like to champion literacy in their communities. Those who sign up will receive specialised training to build and nurture literacy amongst children. Members of the public interested in becoming a FUNda Leader can sign up at the exchange or online at Nal’ibali Trust’ s website.

The Nal’ibali Trust says South Africans are also encouraged to hold and host their own book exchanges. The specially designed posters and stickers are available for download from the website.  

For more information, visit www.nalibali.org. You can also follow the Nal'ibali Trust on Facebook or on Twitter.