THE FUSE

Because literacy belongs to everyone, the Sign Language Education and Development has created the first-ever South African Sign Language story for the World Read Aloud Day national campaign.

South Africa (11 February 2026) – February isn’t just another month on the calendar. It’s World Read Aloud Month (WRAM), a time when we turn the simple act of reading aloud into a daily heartbeat of connection and joy.

This year feels especially historic as South Africa celebrates the debut of its very first World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) story born in South African Sign Language (SASL), titled A New Friend.

Ensuring No Child is Left Behind

Developed by Sign Language Education and Development (SLED), this story (also available in the country’s remaining eleven official languages) ensures that every child, regardless of how they communicate, is part of the conversation and can participate meaningfully and on an equal footing with their peers.

This milestone aligns closely with the Education Department, the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), and Nal’ibali Trust’s commitment to inclusive education and equitable access to learning for all children, regardless of language, ability, or background.

World Read Aloud Month Celebrations Take Over SA

WRAM is a national call to action, mobilising schools, families, communities, and civil society organisations to actively contribute to the development of children’s language competencies, imagination, and enduring engagement with reading.

With the flagship celebration hosted at Megoring Primary School and at Ratang Bana Creche in Megoring, Polokwane, learners, educators, sector partners, and members of the local community came together in a collective celebration of reading and storytelling.

Another activation saw the literacy spirit alive in Heidelberg as learners of Ratanda Primary School came together to listen, read along and enjoy the magic of stories, reminding us that reading aloud builds confidence, connection and a love of books.

Celebrated author and storyteller Gcina Mhlophe also praised Nal’ibali during a WRAD activation in Mpumalanga, highlighting the importance of exposing children to new and exciting reading material.

Throughout February, Read Aloud Month will be supported by a series of themed engagements aimed at deepening participation and impact across the length and breadth of the nation.

These included a focus on children’s authors and illustrators, celebrating South African storytelling and creativity; book giving initiatives, promoting access to reading materials; and International Mother Language Week, highlighting the importance of linguistic diversity and home-language learning in strengthening literacy outcomes.

By bringing together government, education partners, communities, and families, WRAD and WRAM continue to demonstrate the power of collaboration in advancing literacy and inclusion across South Africa.

Sources: Nal’ibali

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