New children's book highlights challenges and strength in living with albinism
Refilwe Modiselle, South Africa's first working model with albinism, launches her debut children's book Zizi's World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes, celebrating diversity and self-acceptance.
Award-winning media personality, actress, and South Africa's first working model with albinism, Refilwe Modiselle, has entered the literary world with her debut children's book, Zizi's World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes.
The book tells the story of a young girl with albinism who moves to a new city and learns to embrace her uniqueness despite challenges. Zizi, a confident girl supported by loving parents, faces uncertainty when she starts primary school and notices few people look like her. With her parents' help, she finds strength in her identity.
Zizi's World is aimed at children aged 4 to 12 and addresses the everyday experiences of children with albinism while encouraging empathy and respect among all readers. The story tackles misconceptions about albinism, especially in African communities, and reflects authentic South African settings and culture.
The book promotes themes of kindness, respect, unity, and standing up for others, aligning with goals for raising emotionally intelligent and compassionate children in diverse classrooms.
Refilwe Modiselle is an award-winning actress, TV and radio host, model, inspirational speaker, and team-building coach. She is recognised as South Africa's first successful working model with albinism and has a social media following of over 825,000. Modiselle uses her platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for people with albinism.
Zizi's World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes is her first children's book, inspired by her own journey to celebrate diversity, identity, belonging, and inclusivity.
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