Programme for literacy rights launched
Nali'ibali launched their children's literacy rights programme at Sibongile School for the visually impaired on Monday, April 11.
Nali’ibali launched their children’s literacy rights programme at Sibongile School for the visually impaired on Monday, April 11.
Nali’ibali (isiXhosa for “here’s the story”) is a national reading-for-enjoyment campaign to spark children’s potential through storytelling and reading.
“On Monday morning, Sanette Jordaan and I represented Blind SA during the launch of the children’s literacy rights project at the Sibonile School, between Kliprivier and Meyerton,” said Stafie Pelser.
”As we got out of the car, just after 07:00, we could already hear the excited voices of children playing. MS Mhlungu, principal of the school and her staff warmly welcomed us. Having visited this school before, we are always impressed with their hospitality and positive attitudes.”
Nali’ibali project co-ordinator, Righardt le Roux and his two assistants, Portia and Sydney, also joined the proceedings.
Le Roux explained the purpose of the visit and the launch of the children’s literacy rights charter in braille, which went as follows:
Nali’ibali: It starts with a story. All children can be powerful readers and writers. These are our literacy rights:
1. To listen to hundreds and even thousands of wonderful stories, and tell our own stories too;
2. to use our own languages and learn other languages;
3. to talk about stories and books with our friends, families and teachers;
4. to be given opportunities to explore different types of writing, like stories, poems and information, from home and around the world;
5. to spend time drawing, painting and playing with stories;
6. to get help from adults with our reading and writing, and with choosing interesting books to read;
7. to visit the library to find the books we want to read, and to grow collections of books at home;
8. to share our thoughts, dreams and stories through our own writing.
“On Behalf of Blind SA I appeal to members of the public to consider sponsoring a child at Sibonile School at R3 000 per year, said Pelser.
”This will support them to offer education and boarding, considering that the majority of them come from a poor background.
”It was a great privilege to represent Cathy Donaldson at this function, because she was in hospital with an operation.”
Nali-Bali can be accessed on the internet at: www.nalibali.mobi; tel-fax: 011-903 8909.
*Information and photo’s supplied by Stafie Pelser.
