Nal'ibali

Amathole East Department of Education, in partnership with Xhorha (Elliotdale), is empowering ECD and Grade R practitioners with practical ways to make learning fun and engaging.

Through storytelling, book-making, games, songs and rhymes, practitioners explored creative approaches to bring the curriculum to life and nurture a love of learning in young children.

As we celebrate Women’s Month, it was inspiring to see so many women in education and literacy being meaningfully empowered to support children’s learning journeys.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated Department of Education officials, Ms Wongeka Sidlova and Mr Bulelani Tsitsa, for recognising the valuable contribution of Nal’ibali, SmartStart and Layita Foundation in strengthening educator development.

A woman who tells stories, changes lives and champions literacy.

A huge congratulations to Dr Nompucuko Zakaza, our Eastern Cape Provincial Coordinator, on receiving the Nozincwadi Storyteller Excellence Award, presented by the Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust.

Presented in absentia last Thursday, the award recognises her outstanding contribution to storytelling, literacy and the promotion of African languages.

It is a particularly fitting recognition as South Africa commemorates Women’s Month, celebrating women whose voices, leadership and dedication create lasting change in their communities.

We are proud to celebrate you, Dr Zakaza. Your story matters, and so does the work you do to keep stories alive.

As South Africa commemorates the historic Women's March of 9 August 1956, we honour the resilience of the women who paved the way for future generations. Their legacy reminds us that when women are empowered, communities thrive and nations grow.

At Shuters, we believe that education has the power to transform lives and shape the future of our nation. Today, we honour the women who have carried that vision forward and those who continue to build a brighter, more equitable and empowered South Africa through the power of learning.

To every woman who teaches, nurtures, leads, creates, inspires and makes education possible: we honour you and we thank you.

Happy Women's Day. 🇿🇦💐

On 09 August 1956, thousands of courageous women marched to the Union Buildings to stand against apartheid pass laws and declare that their voices would not be silenced.

Seventy years later, women across South Africa continue to use those voices to build a better future for our children.

Today, women are reading to children, telling stories, passing down knowledge and keeping our languages and cultural heritage alive. At a time when many of our indigenous languages and stories are at risk of being lost, this work has never been more urgent.

To every mother, grandmother, teacher, caregiver, storyteller and woman who takes the time to read a story to a child in her home language, we see you, we appreciate you and we thank you.

You are not simply reading a story. You are preserving a language, protecting a piece of our heritage and giving a child the gift of knowing who they are and where they come from.

The women who marched in 1956 used their voices to change history. Today, women are using their voices to ensure that our stories, languages and memories live on for generations to come.

Thank you for keeping our stories alive. Your voice matters. Your stories matter. Our languages matter.

Women’s Day is almost here.

As we prepare to celebrate the women who nurture, inspire and shape young readers, we want to hear from you:

Who is the woman who first made reading special for you?

Tell us her story in the comments and help us celebrate the women behind every reading journey.

Let’s start the conversation now.

Stakeholders unite to strengthen foundational learning in Eastern Cape schools

Today, stakeholders implementing programmes in Eastern Cape schools gathered through the Axium-Nal’ibali partnership to strengthen collaboration and advance foundational learning.

A key highlight of the programme was an address by Dr Mbude-Mehana, Deputy Director-General at the National Department of Basic Education, who spoke on transforming schools into inclusive spaces that foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, youth, parents and communities.

The engagement highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating sustainable solutions that improve learning outcomes and ensure every child has the opportunity to develop strong literacy skills.

Building stronger reading communities starts with equipping those who support them.

Over three days, our team facilitated Reading Club training at the Limpopo DBE Library and Information Services Workshop, preparing participants to implement reading clubs across districts in the province.

The training also supports the rollout of the National Literacy Promotion Toolkit launched in Gauteng last month, helping bring reading for enjoyment to more children and communities.

Residensia Library wrapped up Mandela Month on a high note!

The library was buzzing with excitement as children from local ECD centres filled the space with energy and laughter. The day began with a library tour, introducing young readers to the magic of books and everything the library has to offer.

From learning about road safety with traffic officers to enjoying poetry, storytelling, songs and games, every moment celebrated learning through fun. Smiles, curiosity and joyful reading made it a day to remember.