Activists foster love of reading
LET S face it, social media has
’ created an entire generation of armchair activists people who
– share, like and comment on the true activism of others without ever getting truly involved in making a difference.
But when it comes to literacy, books, and the fun that goes with a culture of reading, there are some easy and exciting ways for you to get involved.
One of these is to become a FUNda leader an everyday literacy
– activist who takes time to bring stories and books to children in whatever way you can. Nal ibali, a national reading-for
’ enjoyment campaign to spark children s potential through
’ storytelling and reading, has been working with FUNda leaders and inspiring others to join since May this year.
The team says the FUNda leaders have started a wave of change in
“South Africa and that their aim in
” supporting them is to strengthen
“ multilingual literacy through advocacy, training and support for reading clubs ”.
So how exactly does one become a FUNda leader, and what can one do to join the wave of change?
FUNda leaders are adults who want to help children become literate through fun and relaxed interaction with stories, and who are willing to be reading role models in their own communities.
By way of inspiration, the committed individuals at Nal ibali
’ call on all you readers of this newspaper proud, diverse and
–“engaged individuals to become
”– the change they want to see in our country. They say, Nal ibali is here to
“’ celebrate and support you. We have a network of over 800 reading clubs in seven provinces. Men and women of all ages and backgrounds, speaking various languages, impact the lives of over 25 000 children each week.
”
You can start your own reading club: whether it s three children or
’ 30, get together each week, this month and every month, to grow a love for reading among the children in your life. You can also visit an existing reading club where you can read to children. Tell them stories, drop off books and stationery.
You could also volunteer to read and tell stories at your local library or take a group of children to the library where you can introduce them to the joys of borrowing books for reading pleasure.
Another activity is to build your own bank of children s stories. You
’ don t have to buy these you can
’ – borrow them from a library. Each month, choose one book to read with children and get to know it really well.
You could also organise a book drive among your friends to collect or buy books. Make sure to prioritise children s books in
’ African languages since these are both scarce and much wanted. Scour bookshops, flea markets and thrift shops.
To find out more about becoming a FUNda Leader, visit http://nalibali.org/funda-leader . For more information about the Nal ibali
’ reading-for-enjoyment campaign and the Story Bosso competition,
‘ ’ as well as reading tips and stories in a range of South African languages, visit www.nalibali.org , www.nalibali.mobi or find them on Facebook and Twitter: nalibaliSA. Nal ’ ibali is driven by PRAESA, 2015 laureate of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial award for children ’ s literature and reading promotion.