There are a few African dolls out there, but Hunadi is unique because she speaks! Hunadi speaks 4 Official SA Languages, and her packaging is an unfolding dollhouse.
Cape Town, South Africa – South African company Afro Girl has just released the multilingual Hunadi doll, which speaks speaks in 4 of South Africa’s 11 official languages. Hunadi comes dressed in traditional pink shweshwe clothing and wears locally handmade leather shoes and accessories, while her packaging unfolds into a dollhouse.
Afro Girl’s objective is to inspire children’s lives through story-telling and the celebration of African uniqueness. Push her tummy & listen to Hunadi tell her story in English, SeSotho, IsiXhosa & IsiZulu.
Hunadi, the first in the Afro Girl range is based on a little girl from Limpopo. A portion of the of the sales of the doll will go to a NPO close to Afro Girl’s heart in an aim to assist with grassroots upliftment in education. Building and discovering a home together with Hunadi, girls will be playing out their own special stories of family, friends and dreams.
“I remember growing up, my doll Lucy went everywhere with me, from the jungle gym in the park, to braais with the neighbours. A doll is a little girl’s best friend and confidant. It has always been my dream to make sure every little girl can have a doll that they can associate themselves with,” said Afro Girl founder Stacey Rethman.
Rethman says it’s the objective of Afro Girl to inspire children through storytelling and the celebration of African uniqueness. Hunadi tells her story in English, Sesotho, isiXhosa and isiZulu. According to Jim Cummins from the University of Toronto, research has shown that learning to speak in a mother tongue has a very important role in children’s overall development. Children who speak more languages are often more flexible in their thinking.
Hunadi, the first in the Afro Girl range is based on a little girl from Limpopo. A portion of the sales of the doll will go to a NPO close to Afro Girl’s heart in an aim to assist with grassroots upliftment in education.
“I very much believe in the link between languages and a person’s sense of belonging. I am so proud to be able to introduce Hunadi, and hope that she can be more than just a companion, but as an enabler of inclusivity across South Africa,” said Rethman.
Hunadi’s clothing, wig, shoes and accessories are all locally hand-made and sewn. Afro Girl once it grows, will focus on local job creation within the textile, crafts and design sectors.
“My big dream, is to one day have a range of dolls reflecting and celebrating African ethnicities and languages. I want to run for equality in Africa and do a “Doll Drive” to young children in African communities to help inspire, educate and uplift communities.”
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