We’re about to turn the page onto World Read Aloud Day, and everyone from local libraries to rugby stars is getting involved!
Cape Town, South Africa (02 February 2024) — Every year since 2010, World Read Aloud Day (7 February) has celebrated the power of connection through storytelling.
Aptly, the day was born from the mind of a young student, who, after a read-aloud session, asked whether a birthday party for reading aloud could happen. LitWorld loved the idea, and soon the rest was history!
This year in South Africa, Nal’ibali is setting its goals high. The national reading-for-enjoyment campaign hopes to reach many eager ears—3 million children in South Africa.
As anyone who read the news in 2023 knows, our country’s literacy rates were a huge point of conversation. But the beauty of being read aloud to is its nature as a starting block. From there, leaps and bounds to dive into the world of reading for yourself are inspired.
Then there are other important skills that are sparked, like using your own imagination instead of relying on other forms of content.
“One of our aims is to develop a culture of reading among our children and it starts with hearing stories being read out loud. Listening to a story does more than take you on an adventure you have to imagine.
“Reading aloud develops listening skills, models the use of language, and improves vocabulary and comprehension. It also motivates young children to read for themselves,’ says Councillor Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.
The City of Cape Town has already announced that the Stormers will be whipping out their books to be part of the big day, and the City’s libraries will also be hosting events for World Read Aloud Day.
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Anyone who wants to support the celebration of stories can either:
- Make a pledge to Nal’ibali by reading the special story “The Lost Kitten” by Stacey Fru which is available in all 12 official South African languages or
- If you’re in Cape Town, see what your local library has planned and how you can be a part of it
- If you’re in another part of South Africa and know of something awesome happening for World Read Aloud Day, let us know on info@goodthingsguy.com!
Whether its reading aloud to your child, for an underserved community of children, at an event or elsewhere, let your voice lead the way to a love of reading.
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