As part of our incredible partnership with the Basketball Africa League (BAL), NABU kicked off a magical week of literacy, sport, and community connection in Dakar, Senegal. We launched our newest children’s book, The Big and Magical Basketball Games, with unforgettable live read-alouds first at the Dakar Arena during a BAL game, and then at Empire des Enfants, an orphanage home in the heart of the city.
We were joined by powerful voices in sport and literacy, including BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall, BAL Ambassador Ian Mahinmi, influencer Khabane "Khaby" Lame and Senegalese basketball champions Mathide Aicha Diop, Alkaly Ndour, and Yacine Diop. Together, we brought our story to life and reminded young readers that magic happens when books meet basketball.
From the Court to the Heart
To tip off the launch, NABU and BAL hosted a special read-aloud session right at the fanzone area of the Dakar Arena. With the energy of the young kids gathered, our story The Big and Magical Basketball Games took center stage.
Children listened intently as the characters Magic, Moktar, Siratou, Rukundo, and Anele journeyed across the continent in search of the magical BAL Cup. The event was more than a storytime; it was a celebration of African storytelling, culture, and community, wrapped in the spirit of sport and learning.
A Heartfelt Visit to Empire des Enfants
The following day, our team visited Empire des Enfants, a safe and nurturing home for boys who have experienced life on the streets. We were welcomed with warm smiles and open hearts as we gathered to read together.
With Mathide Aicha Diop, Alkaly Ndour, Yacine Diop, BAL Ambassador Ian Mahinmi, we read The Big and Magical Basketball Games aloud sharing laughter, imagination, and connection. And we had the great honor of welcoming The BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall and Khabane Lame during our visit. It was a reminder that stories have the power to uplift, to heal, and to spark dreams.
For the children at Empire des Enfants, this wasn’t just a visit. It was an invitation to dream, believe in their stories, and see themselves in the pages of a book.
These activities are more than just moments, they are memories in the making and powerful reminders of how stories can unite and uplift. And this is just the beginning.
More community events, read-alouds, and literacy activations across BAL host countries are coming throughout the season, stay tuned.
👉 Stay tuned on our social here → @nabu_global
👉 Learn more about it at nabu.org/thebal
A Slam Dunk for Literacy
With millions of young readers across Africa, NABU and BAL are on a mission to bring storytelling and sport together in one powerful package. And with The Big and Magical Basketball Games, we’re not just telling stories, we’re helping children write their own.
🏀✨ Join the movement. Read. Share. Rise. 🔗 Explore the book and campaign here 💙 Donate now to help us get more magical stories into the hands of children who need them most.
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