Say it out loud: Nal’ibali sets out to read aloud to three million children

WITH research showing that children who are read to, and who read, perform better at school, national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, Nal’ibali, has set out to read aloud to three million children – with the help of all South Africans.

Yesterday marked World Read Aloud Day (WARD), with Nal’ibali once again calling on everyone to join them in reading aloud to children.

It said for some, it would be the first, important step to habitual reading while for others, it will be a continuation of their reading journey.

“For WRAD 2023, Nal’ibali aims to reach their goal of reading aloud to three million children.

“Young children who are read to in languages they understand, perform better in school, develop better memories, stronger vocabularies and comprehension skills.

“This year’s story, ‘Every day’s a story’ was written by Tumisang Shongwe (fondly known as Miss T), who is a children’s author and literacy advocate.

“The story is available in all eleven official languages on Nal’ibali’s website (www.nalibali.org/wrad2023).

“And copies will be distributed by the field team at community outreach events throughout the country."

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape said parents and caregivers can help children on their road to success by reading aloud to them and encouraging them to be readers.

“This day is celebrated particularly to highlight the importance of reading aloud to young children and babies, as a means of encouraging good cognitive development, to tell stories and to instil a love of reading at a young age.

“Research has shown that children who are read to, and who read, perform better at school, have improved concentration and memory, have wide vocabularies and show stronger comprehension skills.

“Parents and caregivers can help children on their road to future success by reading aloud to them and encouraging them to be readers.”

Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Anroux Marais, said: “Reading is a step to a magical journey, where children can travel to many different places without leaving their home.”