Mhlophe, who has been running the literacy project Unozincwadi since 2001, recently launched the video book at the Bessie Head Library in Pietermaritzburg on Literacy Day, September 8. The video will be available on streaming platforms such as YouTube.
Mhlophe, an actor and playwright, has always aimed to include children with special needs in her literacy initiatives, which involve building libraries and donating books to schools.
Mhlophe, an actor and playwright, has always aimed to include children with special needs in her literacy initiatives, which involve building libraries and donating books to schools.
With sign language now recognized as the official 12th language in South Africa, Mhlophe believes it is long overdue to provide accessibility for the deaf community.
The launch of the video book project was a success, with children from a special school enjoying the moment. Teachers from special schools expressed gratitude for being catered to, and Mhlophe was delighted to hear people reading her book in a language she couldn't understand.
Mhlophe emphasizes the importance of considering children in special schools when donating books, as they are a significant focus for her. The video book will be available for download on the Unozincwadi YouTube channel. Mhlophe acknowledges that deaf people are often excluded from various activities due to the lack of sign language interpreters.
"Nozincwadi- The Mother of Books" is inspired by the story of a village woman who couldn't read or write but had a deep passion for books. She would collect them and create a pile in her house.
The launch of the video book project was a success, with children from a special school enjoying the moment. Teachers from special schools expressed gratitude for being catered to, and Mhlophe was delighted to hear people reading her book in a language she couldn't understand.
Mhlophe emphasizes the importance of considering children in special schools when donating books, as they are a significant focus for her. The video book will be available for download on the Unozincwadi YouTube channel. Mhlophe acknowledges that deaf people are often excluded from various activities due to the lack of sign language interpreters.
"Nozincwadi- The Mother of Books" is inspired by the story of a village woman who couldn't read or write but had a deep passion for books. She would collect them and create a pile in her house.
This woman's love for education led her to assist in buying school books for children in her area. In return, the children would read stories to her.
Eventually, she joined an adult learning center where she learned to read and write, inspiring others in the village to do the same.
The hard copy of the book is available at bookstores, and a braille version is available at the SA Library for the Blind.
The hard copy of the book is available at bookstores, and a braille version is available at the SA Library for the Blind.
However, Mhlophe notes that there has been little interest from booksellers in the braille version thus far.
