Miss SA 2016 Ntandoyenkosi Kunene and Academia Thokozane Doysini,launch new Childrens book
By Phumzile Mavimbela
The Former Miss South Africa Ntandoyenkosi Kunene has teamed up with PhD candidate and Lecturer Thokozane Dyosini. Together they co-authored a children’s novel titled; Cory in the Universe. The book was launched virtually in September and the content thereof has been developed for children between 9 – 15 years of age. The book seeks to educate children about Covid - 19 which in its height stole many lives globaly.
Kunene and Dyosini patmered with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in the birthing of this paramount vision. The intention of the book is an effort of making reading and entertainment a reality in South Africa.
According to Minister Nathi Mthethwa who has penned a foreword for this publication; “This is a book that not only speaks to the heart of the children but also many social issues that plague society”. To-date, many children are going through mixed emotions, trying to comprehend what the world is currently facing due to Covid-19.
The book is said to places value on the importance of the characters and their lived experiences through various aspects of philosophy for children. More so, their stories will live on beyond this global pandemic. Cory in the Universe will serve as a form of edutainment by bringing educational value through the use of entertainment to start meaningful conversations between children, teachers, parents and guardians.
It is often said that no crisis should go to waste. Thus, it would’ve been a grave mistake for them not to step up and create a useful resource during this time. “We see the need to use storytelling through diversity, inclusivity and representation as a means to take the children of South Africa through this rather difficult time during this global pandemic that is COVID-19; Moreover, providing them with opportunities for incidental learning” stated Kunene and Dyosini.
Both authors are educators by qualification, with Kunene holding an Honours Degree in Curriculum and Dyosini being a PhD candidate and Lecturer. Their passion in bridging the communication gap through the use of language, literacy and literature within the space of education, arts and culture. The book is available in all 11 official languages.
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