Community publishing gives diverse participants of all ages belief in themselves and confidence that they can handle problems that arise, mend difficult relationships and make a positive difference in their communities. Here are some responses from participants.
• “Enabling marginalised groups to reach their full potential is what
community publishing is here for… Through community publishing our
views have been heard and our potential as profound instruments of
change in our society has been recognised”.
(Women from Mashonaland West).
• “I now know I have the power to overcome any hard situations and
transform them through trusted people’s help”.
(Singing to the Lions
workshop).
• “You have beautifully touched my innermost soul”.
(Writer’s workshop on
Education at Jesuit Schools).
• “My fear has gone. I now have the strength to do anything”.
• “I have the knowledge and power to overcome any hard situations and
transform them through trusted people’s help”.
• “I now know my rights and am fully boosted with confidence and dignity”.
• “I felt free and loved. I felt a huge weight had been lifted from my
shoulders”.
(Focalistic, 13, Bulawayo).
• “I felt that love is lacking in the community I think that I am now able to
improve relationships. I will educate my family and community on
relationships”.
(Pinkie, 9, Sanyati).
• “I often feel bad about myself.” (Before the first meeting).
“I felt happy about the 3 meetings, very, very happy”.
(Jah Prayzer, 14, an
artist without hands, Domboshava).
• “I know my disability is not a boundary in pursuing my dreams…I felt proud
that my contribution could be passed on to other children and help them…
As for the book I hope it will help other children like me know they can
change the world”.
(Tony, 17, Bulawayo).
• “I hope my life will change because my voice is heard. I’m feeling very
grateful and happy and hopeful about my future.”.
(Bindura).
• “We feel very happy about the books and to see our views, pictures
and names in the books which will be read by many people.We are
pleased that children with disabilities will now be recognised.”
(Umzingwane).
• “We feel happy as we read the Braille books because participating in
the publishing process is a privilege not easy to come by. Being
included in such programmes makes us feel appreciated as we are
usually sidelined.
These books bring us joy.”
(St Bernard's, Bulawayo).
• “I’m happy and proud of myself as I managed to share my ideas and
help write the books. I’m really, really excited as the world will read
these books and change their ways of treating us.”
(Danhiko, Harare)
• “I’m overjoyed and proud of who I am, I'm going to spread joy by
sharing my books. I’d like to thank the organisation for raising my
hopes.”
(Danhiko Harare).
• “Honestly, I’m deeply moved.These books are great. I cannot stop
smiling. Everything I have ever imagined is right here in these books.I
feel loved, honoured and listened to.This is the most special gift.”
(Danhiko Harare).
“It is irritating when people speak for us...but today we have spoken. We were happy because we could talk about what was deep in our hearts, an opportunity we never had before." Adults involved said: "We have been challenged to make a difference...We are 100% motivated to promote these children’s rights.”