The Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) and UNESCO’s Regional Office in Dakar are launching “Childhood Cultures”, an intergenerational African series of children’s books.

Through the experiences of the main characters Bouba and Zaza, the series seeks to develop life and socialization skills outside the family context among children aged 3 to 8. It is also aimed at older children. 

The series covers topical subjects affecting the lives of African families that parents are sometimes reluctant to address.

These include various topics such as war and conflict, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the issue of water resources and environmental protection.

Glaring shortage

The book series addresses the glaring shortage of children’s books adapted to African contexts. A study conducted in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Togo on child-rearing resources available to parents shows that children from 0 to 4 years of age generally have no books at home, especially in rural areas.

“Bouba & Zaza” will initially be published in English, French, Portuguese and Kiswahili.