The National Library and Information System Authority (Nalis) is set to present its seventeenth Annual Celebrity Tale-A-Thon Christmas Edition on December 21 at 3 PM. The virtual event will be streamed simultaneously across multiple platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and national broadcaster TTT, making it accessible to audiences nationwide.
This signature initiative represents one of Nalis’ cornerstone literacy programs, specifically designed to harness the transformative power of storytelling. The event strategically focuses on vocabulary enhancement, listening skill development, and fostering a sustainable culture of reading across Trinidad and Tobago. Beyond immediate entertainment value, the program aims to contribute significantly to nationwide literacy advancement and promote the concept of lifelong learning through engaging narrative experiences.
The Celebrity Tale-A-Thon tradition, which originated as an in-person gathering in 2006, transitioned to virtual formats in 2020 amid global health considerations. This adaptation has allowed the event to maintain continuity while expanding its reach beyond physical limitations. The program’s core concept involves respected national figures volunteering their time and artistic talents to deliver captivating stories specifically tailored for young audiences.
This year’s edition features an impressive roster of Trinidadian talent including Jasmin Simmons (Nalis’ acting deputy executive director), comedian and spoken word poet Thaddeus Jardine (professionally known as Thaddy Boom), and prominent playwright Niques Francois. Additional participants include soca artiste Jesse Stewart (College Boy Jesse), multimedia journalist Seigonie Mohammed, digital content creator Jelani Mohammed, sales executive Richard Daniel, educator Nikeisha Ramlal, and journalist-author Ryan Bachoo.
The event will be professionally hosted by Alette Williams, CEO and communications strategist of Outright Concepts Limited. Adding an interactive dimension to the program, Dominique Webb, Nalis’ public relations and marketing officer, will conduct a special craft session designed to complement the storytelling experience.
Viewers seeking additional information are encouraged to visit Nalis’ official Facebook presence at https://www.facebook.com/NALISTT or the institutional website www.nalis.gov.tt for comprehensive details regarding this literary celebration.