WESSELTON – Nal’ibali celebrated its 10th birthday in a pop-a book party for learners and their caregivers at Wesselton Primary School on June 24.

The party saw pupils from various local schools, including New Ermelo, Wesselton, Phumula and Endotsheni, enjoying the morning with celebratory song and dance and book gifts from Nal’ibali’s mascots.

According to Nal’ibali Mpumalanga’s coordinator, Righardt le Roux, the aim of the day was to encourage the pupils to continue reading and for them to have early experiences with books and reading.

He said the Nal’ibali reading-for-enjoyment campaign was founded in 2012 by a handful of people who were passionate about children and the power of books and stories to transform the future of the country.

Nal’ibali also believes that children who regularly enjoy stories in languages they understand are more equipped and motivated to learn reading when they reach school.

“When these experiences are with parents and caregivers, a bond is formed between them, and children have the added benefit of feeling loved and emotionally secured. This lays a foundation of early learning that can be built on in school,” Le Roux said.

As the pupils were enjoying and engaging in the fun activities, Nal’ibali donated reading material to Wesselton Primary School.