Literacy is a right that should be enjoyed by all of us, but there are still 780 million adults in the world – and many of whom are in Africa – who haven’t learnt to read or write.

International Literacy Day is celebrated each year on 8 September and reminds us that literacy should not just be a privilege enjoyed by some people. At Nal’ibali, their commitment to literacy involves helping children and teenagers experience reading and writing in joyful and satisfying ways in their lives. On 8 September, we will spend some time doing what we do most often on Saturdays: volunteering at reading clubs, reading to and with our children at home…and finding some time to read for enjoyment ourselves!

What will you be doing?

Here are some ideas of how you can make every day Literacy Day – and deepen your children’s literacy learning.

• Spend more time reading with your children than usual. Let them choose a number of their favourite stories and read them together!  Or, read chapters of a novel together, if your children are older.
• Tell your children about the stories and books you loved when you were a child. Talk about their favourite books too and the write and tell us what they are – include a photo of yourselves if possible! Send your letters to: letters@nalibali.org
• Think and talk with your children about the things you couldn’t do if there was no reading or writing in your lives. Make a list and send it to us at letters@nalibali.org
• Visit a bookshop or library together and spend time browsing through the books.
• Get together with friends and read more here…