Duma says: Let’s learn!
Synopsis: With schools still closed because of the coronavirus, Duma, Zinhle and Wandile are bored at home. Wandile and Duma have played every game with Bhubusi and Zinhle has read all her story books. They miss school and all the things they learn and all the friends they see. But then Duma gets an idea: if they can’t go to school, why can’t the school come to them?
More about the ‘Duma says’ series for children
There are many books about covid-19 attempting to help kids feel safe and comfortable during these absurd times.
But there aren’t many books that represent people of colour and even fewer, that center kids from marginalized communities.
The books are unique in that they are an attempt to tell the story of the pandemic through the eyes of children living in cramped and impoverished circumstances.
Set in South Africa, the stories showcase the adventures of Duma and his friends in an informal settlement during a time of covid-19.
The kids make masks, build an outdoor school and learn to play games while socially distancing.
‘Duma Says’ has been translated into six languages, into braille and have been made available on South Africa’s Department of Health’s website.
It has also been featured on Al Jazeera’s The Stream, New Frame, Daily Maverick and others.
For further information on the unique health challenges in informal settlements click here
Our team:
Nathi Ngubane, Samina Anwary, Sarwat Malik Hassen, Azad Essa, Dr. Sameera Essa
Our partners:
Pioneer Printers, Somesha Online, Boutique Books (Jane Harley), Naeem Mayet, African Story Book, FUNDZA, Literacy Hub, Dr. Shehnaaz Peer
Our supporters:
Aadila Sabat, Malika Bilal, Javeria Ahmed, Karabo Kgoleng, Zukiswa Wanner, Thabiso Mahlape, Saadia Toor, Haseena Jamal, Tariq Syed, Aadil Rashid Mir, Kathrin Lehel, Nouran El-Hilali, Ben Williams, Rehana Qadir, Karim Shah, Sana Uddin, Mohamed Nanabhay, Marina Sofi, Sadaf Haider, Yousuf Kanjwal, Syed Hassan, Faisal Edroos, Umar Farooq, Shalini Kishan, Soud Hyder, Nasra Bwana, Shenaaz Essa, Laila Al-Arian, Imad Musa, Hasina Kathrada and others.