Free OUP children’s book translated into African languages

We recently translated our free children’s book Everybody Worries into three African languages, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, and Sesotho, as well as printed 50,000 free copies to distribute to schools identified by the Eastern Cape Department of Education.

With more than 6,000 employees worldwide and a presence in more than 60 countries, we are conscious of our wider impact on society. In support of our mission, each year we undertake various projects that aim to make a positive impact on the world through education and research. Our corporate social responsibility work includes charitable book donations to areas with a lack of quality educational resources.

Everybody Worries was released earlier this year as a free e-picture book to support parents and carers whose children were feeling worried about Covid-19. Endorsed by clinical psychologists specializing in anxiety in young children, it aims to help children come to terms with disruption caused by the pandemic and normalize feelings of worry and stress.

Everybody Worries author Jon Burgerman explained: ‘It’s important to talk openly about what is going on and that the feelings we’re experiencing are being felt by a lot of people, and that by sharing (and caring!) for each other we can try and make it a little better.’

The printed translated copies arrived in Cape Town last week and are ready to be delivered to schools in time for the hopeful return of Foundation Phase learners at the end of the month.

Karen Simpson, OUP Publishing Director, commented: ‘These are beautiful books and I really believe they will bring joy and comfort to thousands of deserving children in South Africa during this confusing and worrying time.’

Read the book for free on Oxford Owl