Library of Congress awards Nal’ibali more than R816,000 to promote reading in SA languages - IOL
Nal'ibali promotes mother-tongue literacy across South Africa by creating and sharing culturally relevant stories and reading resources in indigenous languages, including South African Sign Language.
The Nal’ibali Trust, South Africa’s leading national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, was awarded $50,000 (over R816,000) as the recipient of the 2026 Library of Congress International Literacy Prize.
The award recognises its pioneering, community-driven work in mother-tongue storytelling and fostering a reading culture among children nationwide.
Building on its 2019 recognition as a Best Practice Honoree by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards, Nal’ibali received the 2026 International Literacy Prize.
Announced during National Literacy Month, the prestigious global award honors the organisation’s innovative, multi-modal strategy for promoting mother-tongue literacy and making reading for enjoyment accessible and valued in children’s everyday lives.
Sponsored by philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, the Library of Congress Literacy Awards recognise organisations worldwide for innovative literacy work.
The award highlights thousands of FUNda Leaders including local volunteers, storytellers, and caregivers who run reading clubs across South Africa.
Executive Director, Lorato Trok said: “Receiving the Library of Congress International Literacy Prize is a powerful validation of the grassroots work happening in our communities every day.”
She added: “This award belongs to our dedicated FUNda Leaders, parents and partners who bring stories to life in living rooms, school yards and community halls.”
Trok noted, “They are demonstrating that when children develop a love for reading in their mother tongues, it opens doors to lifelong learning and opportunity.”
Supported by a dedicated network of partners, caregivers, FUNda Leaders, and local communities, Nal’ibali has evolved into a nationwide literacy movement that brings the joy and transformational power of stories to children.
Established in 2012, Nal’ibali (“here’s the story” in isiXhosa) addresses the early literacy gap by creating and sharing culturally relevant stories and resources in South African languages, including South African Sign Language.
Rooted in the belief that all children deserve to hear, tell, read, and connect with stories in their native languages, Nal’ibali impacts millions of children and families annually.
The initiative achieves this by integrating interactive reading clubs, digital tools, print supplements, and radio programming across communities.
During Literacy Month in South Africa, Nal’ibali is using this milestone to invite new partners, donors, and volunteers to support its national reading movement.
The $50,000 award will fund the expansion of mother-tongue reading resources, train literacy volunteers, and strengthen community reading club networks across the country.
This 2026 honor highlights the significant advancements the organization has achieved since its initial recognition as a Best Practice Honoree by the Library of Congress in 2019.
From a campaign focused on bringing stories and reading resources into homes and communities, Nal’ibali has grown into a national literacy movement supported by a network of partners, FUNda Leaders, caregivers and communities who continue to bring the joy and power of stories to children.
