There has never been a hard time to be a parent, raising children in overcrowded settlements than it is now. The choices that must be made by parents to make sure their children do not contract the corona virus are huge. The Covid-19 has brought about innovation in a quest to curb the spread. We have seen innovative people who partnered in solidarity with the government to raise awareness. One such pioneer goes by the name of Nathi Ngubane who wrote a children’s book to ensure that children are safe during this pandemic irrespective of their background.
Duma says: wash your hands, wear a mask is an educational book series aimed at raising awareness on the importance of wearing a mask and washing hands. The educational book series is written and illustrated by Durban-born Ngubane, and produced by the experimental Social Bandit Media based between Jozi and New York in an effort to curb the spread of the novel corona virus.
The book series tells a story of Duma, a ten year old boy living with his parents, his sister Zinhle (13) and his little brother Wandile (6). Duma and Zinhle noticed that many people in the community are roaming freely without exercising the necessary precaution of wearing a mask. Zinhle then came up with an idea to sew masks and give to community members.
Nathi says he wanted to create characters that children from settlements and cramped households could relate to.
“I needed to write a story that would help educate these children on how to keep safe during this pandemic, even though this is much more difficult to do so when you are living in a one-roomed house. I also wanted children who are well-off to learn about experiences of children who are less fortunate than them”.
Duma says: wash your hands, wear a mask, is an informative children’s book about living with Corona Virus. The book is available in English and different indigenous languages.
“The book is completely free, including the government’s coronavirus site, which is zero-rated and so doesn’t cost any data to access. It can also be found on the Social Bandit Media website, New York City’s Department of Education School Library system and the Centre for African Studies at Harvard University website”, says Nathi.
For those who would like to purchase the paperback, it is available in Ikes bookshop in Durban and for international buyers, it is available on Amazon.
For more information about the book visit www.sacoronavirus.co.za .