A book designed for children who are learning isiZulu at primary level. The book features an English Translator page for non-Zulu speakers. With an interactive version of the book under development, this funding will also help improve the book’s digital imprint by creating a state of the art interactive website.
Incwadi yabantwana abafunda isiZulu emabangeni ayisisekelo. Kukhona ikhasi lomuhumushi elenzelwe ukusiza abakhuluma olunye ulimi ngaphandle kwesiZulu.
A book designed for children who are learning isiZulu at primary level. The book features an English Translator page for non-Zulu speakers.
The project began in February 2015. The initial idea was to create a fun alphabet book for children who are learning isiZulu. The making of the book ended in November 2015. The book is ready for print.
There is a shortage of books written in Zulu, Xhosa, Southern Sotho, Northern Sotho, Venda, Tswana, Tsonga, Swati, or Ndebele. It is necessary to balance the language barriers in our literature, especially at primary level.
Cross-cultural communication is also challenging at times because of vast difference in language. It is very difficult to understand the worldview of one culture while using the language of another (PCE, 2004: 105).
Suffice it to say, Siyafunda: isiZulu is a book designed for Zulu speakers who are learning isiZulu at primary level and non-Zulu speakers of all ages.
Uhlobo lencwadi ekwi-intanethi esebenzisana nayo incwadi eshicilelwe. Kwongezwe amamojuli, izinganekwane, imisebenzi, izibalo nemidlalo.
Coming soon is an interactive version of the book with additional modules which include stories, practical exercises, mathematical quizzes and games.
The book was implemented online, in May 2016, through a collaborative effort with Danieteach.com.
Danieteach.com is founded by Danie Boneschans, a dedicated tutor based in Johannesburg. Danie has been working closely with Siya to usher Siyafunda into the digital learning platform.
Through sound, narration of the book makes learning the Zulu language easier and faster.
Cora Ledwaba teaches Zulu at Reddam School. She comes with a voice fitting for the task at hand. With her expertise, Siyafunda has been able to tailor its content to suit each child in their different stages of learning.
A study by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, 2008a) shows that children’s first language is the optimal language for literacy and learning throughout primary school.
According to globalpartnership.org, globally, there are
50-75 million ‘marginalised’ children who are not enrolled in school. Children who’s primary language is not the language of instruction in school are more likely to drop out of school or fail in earlier grades.
• Every ten books sold, one book gets donated to the disadvantaged – making learning more accessible to the disadvantaged
• Ensuring that children with different mother tongues live and grow together while, at the same time, protecting and promoting the use of all these languages
• Improve vocabulary, association, pronunciation, reading and writing
• Interactive online modules for home learning
• This is important for sustainable development as one of its major goals is changing dominant worldviews that do not acknowledge diversity and hinder the development of alternative visions for a sustainable future.
A funding of R 35 000.00 will provide 1000 books to children who can’t afford Siyafunda. With an interactive version of the book under development, this funding will also help improve the book’s digital imprint by creating a state of the art interactive website.
SIYA MASUKU: Author & Illustrator
A graphic artist based in Johannesburg. Siya is a thorough logos and icons designer with an eye for negative and positive spaces.
He is an illustrator with a passion for books.
Siya is an entrepreneur who believes in personal upliftment through creativity.