Telling stories about SA heroes
DURING literacy and heritage month, Nal’ibali – the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign – in collaboration with the South African office of the UN, will use its annual multilingual storytelling contest, Story Bosso, to nurture a new generation of courageous and literate children.
Launching on August 31, this year’s contest is themed “South African Heroes”.
Storytelling is an important forerunner in children’s literacy, and by remembering and telling the stories of heroes, Nal’ibali hopes to inspire greatness in all children.
Aiming to reach at least 10 000 adults and children throughout the month, the campaign will be hosting a series of regional and community events across the country. The competition is also open to the public, and a special hero-inspired storytelling board game has been designed to help participants practise and build their storytelling skills.
Nal’ibali managing director Jade Jacobsohn said: “Heroes educate us about what is right and wrong; they give us hope and motivate us to overcome life’s challenges. When children hear stories about heroes they can identify with, they can internalise these values and are more likely to act on them.”
The organisation said storytelling was an important part of children’s literacy development and encouraged the development of imagination, curiosity and empathy.
The campaign will also directly connect with at least 10 000 adults and children through a series of community and regional events held by its literacy mentors, schools network, and volunteers across the country.
This year’s Story Bosso, or first-place winner, will be awarded R5 000 as well as a book hamper. A further eight provincial prizes will be awarded and each of these winners will receive R1 000 as well as airtime.
Stories must be entered by September 30. All winners will be announced in October.
To see full event details, download the board game or submit a story digitally, visit the Nal’ibali website at www. nalibali.org. Stories can also be submitted via Nal’ibali’s WhatsApp number, 076 598 1039, or email at info@nalibali.org. – Staff Writer