Lili Kraft

My love for reading and books started when I was a little girl receiving monthly books in the post. Book mail day was always my favourite day of the month. Even today, Liewe Heksie remains one of my favourite books, full of nostalgia, humour and innocence.
My passion for reading paused somewhat after completing a Master’s degree, as two years of research took its toll. Even so, I still loved browsing in bookstores and buying children’s books to read in class to the learners I taught. Creating a literature-rich learning environment is in the best interest of children, families, and ultimately the wider community. I hope by advocating literacy and encouraging young children to love stories and books, I succeeded to plant the seed in young minds that becoming a South African author is a possibility.  
This passion for books and literacy naturally led me to value the importance of supporting writers and their stories. We have an abundance of talented authors in South Africa, yet they might be one of our best-kept secrets. When I discovered SAIAA, I immediately felt that it was a community that aligned with my literacy passion. I wanted to be part of a community that advocates for and supports local authors. South African authors should not remain a secret – they should be celebrated, and their stories should be shared far and wide.
IG: @lilikbooks
TT: @LiliKBooks