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 Library of Congress has awarded Nal'ibali, South Africa's leading national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, more than R816,000 as the recipient of the 2026 International Literacy Prize. This prestigious award recognises Nal'ibali's pioneering work in promoting mother-tongue storytelling and fostering a reading culture among children across the nation.
The organisation, which was previously honoured as a Best Practice Honoree by the Library of Congress in 2019, has expanded its impact through a multi-modal strategy that includes interactive reading clubs, digital tools, print supplements, and radio programming in various South African languages. The $50,000 prize, sponsored by philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, will be used to further develop mother-tongue reading resources, train literacy volunteers, and strengthen community reading club networks nationwide.
Executive Director Lorato Trok highlighted the significant role of Nal'ibali's FUNda Leaders, including local volunteers, storytellers, and caregivers, in bringing stories to life in homes, schools, and community halls, emphasizing the transformative power of reading in children's native languages.
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