The Nal’ibali Trust, which functions as South Africa’s primary national campaign for promoting reading for enjoyment, has been granted $50,000, equivalent to over R816,000, as the recipient of the 2026 Library of Congress International Literacy Prize.
This accolade acknowledges the organization's groundbreaking, community-focused efforts in developing storytelling in mother tongues and cultivating a reading culture among youngsters throughout the nation. This follows Nal’ibali's prior acknowledgment in 2019 as a Best Practice Honoree by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards.
The esteemed global prize was announced during National Literacy Month and recognizes the organization's inventive, multi-modal approach to advancing mother-tongue literacy, ensuring that reading for pleasure is both accessible and valued in children's daily lives. The Library of Congress Literacy Awards, which are sponsored by philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, recognize innovative literacy initiatives globally.
The award also shines a light on thousands of FUNda Leaders, which include local volunteers, storytellers, and caregivers who manage reading clubs across South Africa. Lorato Trok, the Executive Director, stated that receiving the Library of Congress International Literacy Prize serves as a strong confirmation of the localized work occurring within their communities daily.
She further emphasized that this achievement belongs to the committed FUNda Leaders, parents, and collaborators who animate stories in various settings such as living rooms, schoolyards, and community halls. Trok pointed out that when children develop an affinity for reading in their native languages, it paves the way for continuous learning and opportunities.
Supported by a comprehensive network of partners, caregivers, FUNda Leaders, and local communities, Nal’ibali has developed into a nationwide literacy movement that delivers the transformative power and delight of narratives to children.
Established in 2012, Nal’ibali, which translates to “here’s the story” in isiXhosa, works to bridge the early literacy gap by generating and distributing culturally pertinent stories and materials in South African languages, including South African Sign Language. Its foundation rests on the conviction that every child deserves the chance to hear, share, read, and connect with stories in their own language, thereby impacting millions of families and children each year.
The initiative accomplishes this through the integration of digital tools, print supplements, interactive reading clubs, and radio programming across different communities. During Literacy Month in South Africa, Nal’ibali is utilizing this significant moment to solicit new supporters, donors, and volunteers to bolster its national reading movement.
The $50,000 grant will be used to expand the availability of mother-tongue reading resources, provide training for literacy volunteers, and reinforce the community reading club structures nationwide. This 2026 recognition underscores the substantial progress the organization has made since its initial designation as a Best Practice Honoree by the Library of Congress in 2019. From starting as a campaign aimed at placing stories and reading materials in homes and communities, Nal’ibali has expanded into a national literacy movement backed by a network of partners, caregivers, FUNda Leaders, and communities who continue to bring joy and strength to children through stories.