Colourful children’s book series in indigenous lan...

Colourful children’s book series in indigenous languages launched

Patricia Mashiri ZimNow Reporter

Ndoto Kids, with support from Culture Fund under the CreativeACTIONs, has launched Nyaya dze Vana (“Children’s Heritage”)—a vibrant children’s book series available in chiShona and isiNdebele.

The aim of the book is to promote indigenous African languages and cultural heritage, inspire early childhood literacy and a lifelong love of reading, and engage educators, parents, and institutions in using culturally resonant learning tools

The children’s book was created for children between the ages of 0 and 7 years, and the series features colorful illustrations, rich cultural themes, and stories deeply rooted in local traditions.

Each book helps young readers see themselves, their families, and their heritage reflected in the stories they enjoy.

Batsirai Freddy, founder and creative director of Ndoto Kids, said, “With Nyaya dze Vana, we are creating more than books—we are building a movement to keep our languages alive for future generations.

We believe that every African child deserves to see themselves, their language, and their culture reflected in the stories they read. Nyaya dze Vana is our love letter to the future and a way to pass down our collective memory through play and imagination,” he said.

Distribution Highlights

The distribution of Nyaya dze Vana has already begun, with key institutions in Harare and Bulawayo receiving copies to make them accessible to children and communities:

• Harare:

Harare City Library, Mt Pleasant Library, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Harare Book Club.

• Bulawayo:

Mpopoma Library, Nkulumane Library, Njube Library, Mzilikazi Memorial Library, Alliance Française, Sunshine Nursery School.

Zim Now will soon be giving away 200 copies of the books. Join our WhatsApp channel for your chance!

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