For her incredible 20+ year dedication to empowering children through the magic of storytelling and mother-tongue education across the continent, Lerato Trok has been honoured with a prestigious award by the Association of Mental Health Reform Organisations in Africa.
Gauteng, South Africa (05 June 2026) – Born in Kuruman, Northern Cape, Lorato Trok’s love of literacy began with oral Setswana stories shared by her mother. She formalised this passion through studies in Teaching and Librarianship, and later advanced qualifications in Creative Writing and Editing.
Today, Lorato is a celebrated South African author, editor, and literacy advocate with over 20 years of experience in children’s literature. And as Executive Director of the Nal’ibali Trust, she leads South Africa’s largest campaign to inspire children to love reading.
Most recently, the award-winning literacy leader was recognised by the Association of Mental Health Reform Organisations in Africa (AMHROA) for her outstanding contribution to literacy, literature and education advocacy across Africa.
She is a leading voice in mother-tongue education and a champion for preserving indigenous South African languages through storytelling. The Pan-African Mental Health Leadership & Excellence award acknowledges Lorato’s longstanding commitment to promoting reading for enjoyment, multilingual literacy and policies that improve learning opportunities for children.
Under her leadership, Nal’ibali has helped build a culture of reading in homes, schools and communities across South Africa through literacy campaigns, reading clubs, storytelling initiatives and reading materials.
The AMHROA recognition also highlights the growing connection between literacy and wellbeing. Access to stories and books helps children develop confidence, resilience, empathy and a sense of belonging, supporting both lifelong learning and positive mental health.
“While I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition, it also belongs to the many literacy champions, caregivers, educators, community volunteers and partners who work tirelessly to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy and power of reading,” shared Lorato.
Lorato has also held leadership roles at the Centre for the Book, the African Storybook Initiative, Room to Read, and the Puku Children’s Literature Foundation, advocating for books in all 11 official South African languages.
An accomplished author, she highlights unsung Black South African heroes in works such as The Forgotten Scientist: The Story of Saul Sithole and Rosina Sedibane Modiba: A Dream Denied. She also co-published the first-ever children’s book in the endangered N/uu language.
Related Stories
Teen Robotics Whizz Shares Her Coding Skills With Durban Children
Saturday Good News: Wedding Bells, Wagging Tails and a Whole Lot of South African Heart!Nal’ibali congratulates Lorato on her recent well-deserved achievement and celebrates her contribution to advancing literacy as a tool for educational success, wellbeing and social change.
by 
