Refilwe Modiselle’s ‘Zizi’s World’ shines light on life through the eyes of a child with albinism
The book, set to be released on Saturday, June 28, is a collaboration with leading publisher Lingua Franca.
Refilwe Modiselle, author of “Zizi’s World: Through her Vanilla eyes”. Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini/ EWN.
JOHANNESBURG – Media personality Refilwe Modiselle has taken a huge step in her career, adding the title of author to her list of achievements.
The book, set to be released on Saturday, June 28, is a collaboration with leading publisher Lingua Franca.
Speaking to Eyewitness News, Modiselle said her new book, “Zizi’s World: Through her Vanilla Eyes”, addresses albinism and promotes inclusivity and diversification, aiming to educate parents, educators, and children about albinism and social integration.
“The book is based on Zizi, who is a child with albinism, and her experience of a child who moves from one environment to then is introduced to the next, but with the opening of her reality as a child with albinism”, said Modiselle.
Refilwe Modiselle, author of “Zizi’s World: Through her Vanilla eyes”. Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini/ EWN.
It addresses the environmental and social aspects of living with albinism, including myths, misconceptions, and the importance of inclusivity and diversification.
The book aims to educate parents, educators, and children about albinism and promote love, integration and acceptance.
“The book brings around conversations around albinism, her parents giving her the reality about albinism and just the environmental aspect of handling the myths and misconceptions around albinism and as well as just that dynamics, just navigating that into the world and her environment and her socialisation.”
Refilwe Modiselle, author of “Zizi’s World: Through her Vanilla eyes” and EWN Journalist Palesa Manaleng. Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini/ EWN.
Modiselle, who is known as Africa's first successful model with albinism, TEDx speaker and actress, highlights the importance of instilling love, reading, and escapism through reading in children.
She said the book includes fun activities at the back to engage children and promote education.
“It’s been such a blessing. It was a labour of love. I like to express my gratitude to my parents. And just, I love the idea of instilling in education and instilling the sense of love and reading and escapism through reading to children. Love the culture, and children are very dear to my heart. So I'm absolutely ecstatic, like I'm relieved that it's really out.”