Mommy friends Precious Mdlalose, Khumo Tapfumayeni, Mpho Maje, Kgalalelo Nazo and Tina Akuoko had one thing in common: They were tired of hunting down diverse literature for their kids to read. The stories they found in bookstores were endearing, but unfortunately, the identities of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White characters were not relatable to the African child.
As a result, their passion project was formed and in 2016 Ethnikids was born. Flash forward to 2020 and Ethnikids is a fully operational, online specialist bookstore. Their mission is to instill a love of reading into children by providing them with easy access to diverse and inclusive books in all 11 official South African languages. Parents don't have to spend hours searching for books because they have been categorised into ages and languages on the easily accessible website. Ethnikids also hosts monthly book reading events where children get the opportunity to have their favourite books read to them by the authors who wrote them.
The founding mothers of Ethnikids (from left: Precious Mdlalose, Khumo Tapfumaneyi, Mpho Maje, Kgalalelo Nazo and Tina Akuoko). Image: @ethnikids_coEXPOSURE FOR AFRICAN AUTHORS
While empowering children, the ladies behind Ethnikids also aim to give independent authors and publishers access to markets and foster local talent. When Ethnikids started, they found that most local writers were publishing and selling their books independently. Today, Ethnikids features a wide range of authors from a variety of countries, allowing them a platform to promote their literature.
REPRESENTATION
Representation is a very important subject in modern-day South Africa and around the world. There is a growing need to increase racial diversity and pride, and it starts with something as simple as being exposed to inclusive media.
There is a reason the film Black Panther was hugely successful. African kids saw an African superhero speaking an African language and could finally identify with a big Marvel production. This type of narrative in children's literature is limited or inaccessible. Ethnikids’ mission is finding books with characters that look like our children, with protagonists of colour from all corners of the world.
INCREASING LITERACY RATES IN SOUTH AFRICA
"Our strong belief is that there is a link between the lack of access to stimulating, representative material and the lack of interest in reading shown by many South African children," says Khumo Tapfumaneyi, one of the founders. It is for this reason Ethnikids started organising book readings where local authors could read from their books and make it a fun experience for kids.
One of their achievements was the Kasi Reading Tour that took place in 2019. The ladies visited libraries in various townships (Alex, Tembisa, Soweto, Mamelodi, and Eldorado Park) to promote local authors and distribute books. "Our mission is not just to be racially and linguistically inclusive but also socio-economically because of the life-altering influence of literacy," says Tapfumaneyi.
FUTURE PLANS
One thing Covid-19 has taught the moms is not to be too attached to the plans they make. Before the pandemic hit, they had experimented with having a physical bookstore and were considering rolling-out this offering.
Now, like the rest of SA, they are adjusting to a new normal and are looking at ways to scale the business and incorporate a broader digital offering. "We want to take South African stories to the world!” says Tina Akuoko. “And we look forward to the days when we can all come together again for story time."
ETHNIKIDS:
Website: ethnikids.co.za
Instagram: @ethnikids_co
Twitter: @Ethnikids_Co
Facebook: Ethnikids
JET CLUB HELPLINES
Our free online education support system is run by professionals. if your child needs assistance with their studies, call our friendly experts who are there to help.
TEACHER TELEPHONIC SUPPORT
SA & Namibia
0800 00 45 45
While empowering children, the ladies behind Ethnikids also aim to give independent authors and publishers access to markets and foster local talent. When Ethnikids started, they found that most local writers were publishing and selling their books independently. Today, Ethnikids features a wide range of authors from a variety of countries, allowing them a platform to promote their literature.
REPRESENTATION
Representation is a very important subject in modern-day South Africa and around the world. There is a growing need to increase racial diversity and pride, and it starts with something as simple as being exposed to inclusive media.
There is a reason the film Black Panther was hugely successful. African kids saw an African superhero speaking an African language and could finally identify with a big Marvel production. This type of narrative in children's literature is limited or inaccessible. Ethnikids’ mission is finding books with characters that look like our children, with protagonists of colour from all corners of the world.
INCREASING LITERACY RATES IN SOUTH AFRICA
"Our strong belief is that there is a link between the lack of access to stimulating, representative material and the lack of interest in reading shown by many South African children," says Khumo Tapfumaneyi, one of the founders. It is for this reason Ethnikids started organising book readings where local authors could read from their books and make it a fun experience for kids.
One of their achievements was the Kasi Reading Tour that took place in 2019. The ladies visited libraries in various townships (Alex, Tembisa, Soweto, Mamelodi, and Eldorado Park) to promote local authors and distribute books. "Our mission is not just to be racially and linguistically inclusive but also socio-economically because of the life-altering influence of literacy," says Tapfumaneyi.
FUTURE PLANS
One thing Covid-19 has taught the moms is not to be too attached to the plans they make. Before the pandemic hit, they had experimented with having a physical bookstore and were considering rolling-out this offering.
Now, like the rest of SA, they are adjusting to a new normal and are looking at ways to scale the business and incorporate a broader digital offering. "We want to take South African stories to the world!” says Tina Akuoko. “And we look forward to the days when we can all come together again for story time."
ETHNIKIDS:
Website: ethnikids.co.za
Instagram: @ethnikids_co
Twitter: @Ethnikids_Co
Facebook: Ethnikids
JET CLUB HELPLINESOur free online education support system is run by professionals. if your child needs assistance with their studies, call our friendly experts who are there to help.
TEACHER TELEPHONIC SUPPORT
SA & Namibia
0800 00 45 45
Botswana, Lesotho & Swaziland
+2711 991 8258
For full Educational Support, please visit
studymaster.co.za or studiemeester.co.za
THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY IN CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Reviewed by Zandile Xabendlini
on
October 13, 2020
Rating:
Reviewed by Zandile Xabendlini
on
October 13, 2020
Rating:
