Harnessing the power of storytelling: South Africa celebrates World Read Aloud Day

Today is World Read Aloud Day, a global celebration dedicated to the simple but powerful act of reading aloud.

Observed annually on the first Wednesday of February, the day brings together children, parents, teachers, authors and communities to share stories, strengthen literacy and remind people that reading is not only a skill but a shared experience.

World Read Aloud Day was established in 2010 by LitWorld, a global literacy organisation focused on education, empowerment and access to books.

The initiative was created to raise awareness about literacy as a human right and to highlight the millions of children around the world who still lack access to books, learning resources and quality education.

By encouraging people to read aloud on the same day across countries and cultures, the campaign aims to build a global community around stories.

At its core, the day is about connection. Reading aloud slows things down. It invites listening, imagination and conversation. For children, it builds vocabulary, confidence and comprehension.

For adults, it reintroduces the joy of storytelling and creates space for reflection and dialogue. Studies consistently show that reading aloud improves language development, strengthens emotional bonds and supports learning outcomes, especially in early childhood.

Celebrating World Read Aloud Day is important because literacy remains unevenly distributed across the world. In many parts of the world, including South Africa, access to books remains shaped by economic inequality, language barriers, and limited resources.

Reading aloud helps bridge those gaps. It does not require expensive tools or advanced technology. All it takes is a book, a voice and a willing audience.

In SA, the day carries particular weight. The country’s rich oral traditions have always placed storytelling at the centre of community life.

From folktales shared around fires to praise poetry and spoken word, stories have long been used to teach, preserve history and build identity. World Read Aloud Day aligns naturally with this heritage, offering a modern platform to celebrate stories in all eleven official languages.

Across Mzansi, the day is marked in schools, libraries, community centres and homes. Teachers organise group reading sessions where learners take turns reading aloud or listening to guest readers. Libraries host storytelling hours, author visits and book discussions.

Nonprofit organisations partner with schools to donate books and facilitate read-aloud events in underserved communities. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to read with children at home, turning ordinary moments into shared story time.

Social media has also become part of the celebration. South African readers, educators and writers often share videos and photos of themselves reading aloud using hashtags linked to the day.

These digital moments help extend the message beyond the classrooms and remind people that reading is something to be seen, heard and celebrated.

World Read Aloud Day is also a chance to spotlight local literature. South African books reflect the country’s history, diversity and imagination, making them especially meaningful choices for the occasion.

Something worth reading aloud is Nalibali’s stories for children, a collection developed through the national reading for enjoyment campaign.

The stories are available in multiple local languages and are created to be shared aloud, making them accessible and inclusive for young readers.

One title from the campaign that recently stood out is “Why the Moon Gets Smaller and Bigger” by Kirstin Hartmann. The book presents a folktale explanation of the lunar cycle, grounded in themes of kindness, honesty and sharing rather than science. 

Its clear language and moral focus make it especially effective when read aloud, inviting listeners to engage with both the story and its message.

Niki Daly’s “The Herd Boy” captures the spirit of aspirational storytelling while honouring cultural heritage, making it well-suited to this day.

The story is inspired by the life of Nelson Mandela, who also began as a herd boy in the rural Eastern Cape.

This connection offers a meaningful real-world reference that educators and parents can use to open conversations about leadership, resilience and humble beginnings.

“Shudu Finds Her Magic" by Shudufhadzo Musida draws on the former Miss South Africa’s personal experiences. The book explores important themes such as bullying, friendship and the journey to self-love.

It follows the main character as she overcomes sadness and challenges to discover confidence in herself.

Blending meaningful social lessons with an accessible, multilingual format, the book is available in six South African languages, making it inclusive for a wide range of young readers.

Trevor Noah’s “Born a Crime" is also widely regarded as an excellent choice for reading aloud because its narrative draws on the oral storytelling tradition, making it exceptionally engaging when heard.

The memoir incorporates a variety of South African languages and dialects, adding richness and authenticity to the voice.

It is crafted with natural hooks that immediately capture listeners’ attention, beginning with the unforgettable scene of his mother throwing him out of a moving vehicle to save him.

The story flows seamlessly between laugh-out-loud humour and touching reflections on apartheid, keeping an audience emotionally invested from start to finish.