Library of Congress awards Nal’ibali more than R816,000 to promote reading in SA languages
South Africa’s Nal’ibali Trust has won the 2026 Library of Congress International Literacy Prize, receiving $50,000 for its work promoting reading for enjoyment and mother-tongue storytelling.
The Nal'ibali Trust, a South African reading-for-enjoyment campaign, has been awarded over R816,000 by the Library of Congress International Literacy Prize for 2026. The prestigious honor recognizes Nal'ibali's groundbreaking community-driven efforts in promoting mother-tongue storytelling and cultivating a reading culture among children across the nation.
Established in 2012, the organization has consistently been at the forefront of creating and disseminating culturally relevant stories and resources in various South African languages, including South African Sign Language. With a mission to ensure that all children engage with stories in their native languages, Nal'ibali impacts millions of children and families annually through interactive reading clubs, digital tools, print supplements, and radio programming.
The Library of Congress Literacy Awards, sponsored by philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, highlight organizations worldwide that showcase innovative literacy work. The 2026 International Literacy Prize underscores Nal'ibali's significant progress since its initial Best Practice Honoree recognition in 2019. The $50,000 grant will be used to expand mother-tongue reading resources, train literacy volunteers, and enhance community reading club networks nationwide.
Executive Director Lorato Trok emphasized that the award belongs to the dedicated Funada Leaders, volunteers, storytellers, and caregivers who tirelessly bring stories to life in various settings, fostering a love for reading in children's native languages.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
