Award-winning Nelson Mandela Bay author Madoda Ndlakuse has taken on a new title as a community development co-ordinator which he intends to use to promote male involvement in early childhood development.
Nali’ibali announced on social media that the Motherwell resident had started in the new position within the Nali’ibali Volkswagen SA Literacy Project about nine years after he was introduced to the project as a mentor in 2016.
The new position contributes towards the national movement addressing intergenerational literacy gaps as well as community driven and sustainable impact in society.
Ndlakuse said he felt honoured to be recognised for their work as he continues on his mission to nurture a culture of reading in every home and school that has been assigned to him.
“Community development is a cause close to my heart.
“What excites me about this new chapter is that my work now extends beyond the local level, it is national.
“That broader scope offers opportunities for impact and growth.
“I want to see families participating in literacy, children learning and growing through the stories we share.
“I want to see teachers re-energised with creative tools inspired by the Nal’ibali approach.”
He said it was equally important to equip parents to enjoy reading with their children.
“Empowering men to play an active role in their children’s learning helps to spark a lifelong, healthy relationship with books,” Ndlakuse said.
In his new role, he will be leading campaigns that encourage male involvement in early childhood education, co-ordinate literacy events such as story festivals and men’s literacy imbizos, while also engaging with stakeholders to extend the reach and impact of their programmes.
He said the male reading role models would give children a more balanced sense of identity, empathy, and humanity.
It would also help children develop confidence, resilience, problem-solving skills through play and shared storytelling.
This, in addition to strengthening family bonds as well as providing children with consistent and positive male influences.
“The Men’s Literacy Hub is envisioned as a safe, inclusive and welcoming space that promotes reading among men.
“It fosters connections between fathers, uncles, big brothers and the children in their lives, creating opportunities for mentorship, bonding, and community-based support for literacy development.
“We host men’s literacy imbizo gatherings in Kariega, with strong participation from communities such as KwaNobuhle, KwaLanga, KwaMagxaki, Joe Slovo, Walmer, Missionvale, Motherwell, and others,” Ndlakuse said.
He said they would also host informed trauma literacy sessions to provide structured, healing centred literacy activities designed to help men, children and families to process trauma through storytelling, reading, writing and dialogue.
Participants are able to reflect on their experiences, build resilience, and break the silence around trauma.
Ndlakuse also confirmed that there were new books that were part of exciting projects in the pipeline and he would be making announcements closer to their launch.
“Male involvement in reading helps children develop confidence, critical thinking, and a love for learning.
“They become more active, better-performing, curious learners both in the classroom and beyond.
“One of our biggest achievements has been the expansion of the Nal’ibali Men’s Literacy Imbizo to a national level.
“It marks a huge step for men across the country who want to play a more active, nurturing role in their children’s early literacy and development,” Ndlakuse said.
The Herald
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