The annual Khazimla Storytelling Festival held at the VW People’s Pavilion in Kariega last week, was a showcase of the importance of literacy development through storytelling.
Thembeka Kilani, the Department of Education: Subject Advisor Languages, said with the relationship with Nalibali she has seen the developments of literacy escalating in the community.
“At first it was just Nalibali volunteers going to schools and reading stories. But now, learners themselves are writing stories for books. They are standing in front of crowds sharing their stories, performing poems. It is like a new literacy dawn,” said Kilani.
“The involvement of parents and their support to me shows there is hope for isi-Xhosa home language. Hopefully this project will develop to include the other languages as well, as we do not want any language left behind. All languages have to be preserved.”
According to Madoda Ndlakuse, Nalibali Project Coordinator: Eastern Cape, storytelling excites imagination, it develops language and deals with emotion, instil values and strengthens relationships.
Katie Huston, Head of Research & Innovation: Nalibali said, “What is amazing to me is to see how the kids who have been involved in the programme ever since they were in Grade 1 sit down and read fluently and beautifully and with so much confidence.
“They are writing their own poems about social issues or things that have happened in their lives and they are standing up and reading to an audience of many strangers. It is wonderful to see the impact the Nalibali programme can have when it runs over such a long period of time.”
Recognition was given to parents and grandparents who were involved with their kids or grandchildren. Special recognition was given to Popi Damane (90) who supported her great grandchildren with literacy projects.
The teachers that received recognition from Nalibali are: Zukiswa Nqolobe and Zameka Jack from Noninzi Primary; Matsidiso Sehloboko and Nomvuselo Daniels from James Ntungwana Primary; Asamehle Nkume, Anathi Juwele and Nondumiso Xinwa from Mngcunube Primary; Zoliswa Maseti and Thabang Mlilwana from Vuba Primary; Sindiswa April from Ntlemeza Primary.
The hosts were Ndlakuse, joined by Anele Ramabele, Nandipha Kolisile, and Aphelele Zindlani. The storytelling festival is supported by VWSA Community Trust, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Nalibali, LITASA Eastern Cape as well as Masifunde Learner Development.
- For more information contact Madoda Ndlakuse on e-mail: madoda@nalibali.org
