Through the story of a young girl navigating bullying and belonging, an Afrikaans children’s book opens an important conversation about identity, empathy, and self-worth in South African classrooms
Gqeberha, South Africa (29 October 2025) – In classrooms across South Africa, many children learn early what it means to stand out. Sometimes in ways that make them feel small. It could be their different accent, hairstyle, or cultural background. These can become the reason a child feels they do not quite fit in. These moments are often unnoticed, but they shape how young people see themselves and the world around them.
That is why stories that explore identity and belonging are so important. They don’t just tell tales, they start conversations about empathy, respect, and how we treat those who seem “different.”
One recent example is Skitterdinge en Skoeloeloe, a new Afrikaans children’s book written by Selwyn Milborrow, with classroom materials designed by Dr Dewald Koen from the Nelson Mandela University Faculty of Education.
The story follows Zandi, a young girl who moves from Namibia to South Africa and is teased for her accent and traditional Herero hairstyle. Feeling isolated, she turns to storytelling. Using her words to share her culture and, in doing so turns judgment into understanding.
Targeted at Grade 4 and Grade 5 learners, the book approaches themes of bullying, belonging, and self-worth in a way that is both gentle and thought-provoking. It invites children and even teachers to reflect on how small acts of kindness and curiosity can create spaces where everyone feels they belong.
It also raises the larger question of how often do we stop to think about the quiet battles children face to be accepted for who they are? Many carry the weight of feeling “different,” often without the language to explain it. Books and classroom discussions that give these feelings a name and a story can be powerful tools for growth.
It’s about reminding young people that difference is not something to overcome, but something to embrace and honour.
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