PARTNERS

Nal’ibali (isiXhosa for “here’s the story”)https://nalibali.org/ is a national reading-for-enjoyment campaign to spark children’s potential through storytelling and reading. Nal’ibali is built on the simple logic that a well-established culture of reading can be a real game-changer for education in South Africa. Literacy skills are a strong predictor of future academic success in all subjects – and children who regularly read and hear engaging stories, in languages they understand, are well equipped and motivated to learn to read and write. A significant body of research reinforces the link between reading for pleasure and improved outcomes for children.

KwaZulu-Natal schools and libraries between Pietermaritzburg and Durban –  Bhekokuhle, Delani, Lalelani, Ntshongweni, Pinetown Ubhedu and  Vukuziphathe schools, as well as Mpumalanga, Ntshongweni, Thornwood and Tshelimnyama libraries.

ABOUT

Clowns Without Borders South Africa and Nal’ibali launched a year long social mobilisation campaign in March 2019 to encourage children, youth and families to access libraries in order to enjoy reading, as well as seeing it as a safe space, where they can read, hear stories, be with friends or have a quiet time. Many children and families may feel libraries are not accessible to them, but this campaign proves them wrong!! It is to support the overall campaign in South Africa to improve literacy levels of all children, as well as to show them how reading can help you dream and create the life you would like!. CWBSA has created a new performance about reading to show children, teachers and parents how it can open up new worlds – working with storytelling, physical theatre, games and laughter, the show brings books alive, also breaking down typical stereotypes that exist in our society.

FEEDBACK FROM BENEFICIARIES

““Lovely show, thank you. Very much appreciated. It shows even us in small village that we are recognised. Thank you, Clowns Without Borders. Hope to see you for next projects.” – Sthe Shelembe (Ntshongweni Library)

“The show was very interesting both to learners and educators. We all enjoyed the activities & dramatisation. It teaches us as educators to apply the same skill to learners. Language development is a very important thing learners must acquire. I recommend that learners should be separated as young ones are easily bored when the show is too long.” – Mrs Sibongile Msomi (Delani Primary) 

“The show was funny. It must be nice to go to the library because there are many books to read.” – Andiswa (Lalelani Primary School)