On 7 February, the world comes together to celebrate World Read Aloud Day, highlighting the power of stories to inspire, connect, and empower children and communities. This global event reminds us that every child deserves the joy of storytelling and the opportunity to thrive through literacy.
Reading aloud is more than just a shared moment—it builds language skills, sparks imagination, and fosters a lifelong love for books. For young children, hearing stories read aloud strengthens brain development and lays the foundation for learning success. Yet, in South Africa, where many homes lack books, millions of children miss out on this vital experience.
This day aligns with South Africa’s focus on stimulating early learning and language development, as outlined in the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children. Through programmes that promote literacy and access to quality early learning resources, we can close gaps and ignite brighter futures for all children.
World Read Aloud Day is a powerful reminder that literacy is a gift every child deserves. Let’s amplify the voices of children across South Africa by nurturing a love for reading, one story at a time. Together, we can ensure that every child has the tools to dream, learn, and succeed.