New book teaches children about the lockdown, COVID-19
Respected South African author, poet and academic Athol Williams has worked with Read to Rise - a literacy NGO that promotes youth literacy in under-resourced communities in South Africa and has written a book titled _Oaky and the Virus _that better explains COVID-19 to children.
Williams says primary school children are already familiar with Oaky, as the character forms part of a series of books that have already been published.
I have already written six books, a lot of children in primary school already know the character. We thought: Why not make it into a story? So it's not a lecture, it's a story, there is a beautiful little song in there about how you should wash your hands.
Professor Athol Williams, Author
We try to in a way not to make it out to be this scary thing and so we said you have to stay at home, and Oaky would love to go out and play with his friends but there are wonderful things you can do at home.
Professor Athol Williams, Author
At the back of the book we have got a whole set of questions that help with literary comprehension but also we're hoping to give parents a chance to have a discussion with their children about the virus.
Professor Athol Williams, Author
You can download the book, which is in the process of being translated into various South African languages, on oaky.co.za
Click on the link below to hear more...
More from Information about Covid-19 coronavirus

[EXPLAINED] Can your employer force you to take a Covid-19 vaccine?
Can employers make it compulsory for employees to get vaccinated against Covid-19? A labour lawyer explains on The Money Show.
Read More
Alcohol ban: Consol, hanging by a thread, burns through millions to stay alive
It cannot stop its furnaces, so it must keep them going. Bruce Whitfield interviews Mike Arnold, CEO at Consol Glass.
Read More
Covid-19 vaccine: Government may have to milk bone-dry taxpayers some more
Treasury is mulling raising taxes, says Prof Adrian Saville, Chief Executive of Cannon Asset Managers.
Read More
South African invention revolutionises oxygen delivery to Covid-19 patients
"I have witnessed this device saving lives," says Dr Warren Gregorowski of the proudly South African device.
Read More
'ANC is against another hard lockdown'
"Family meeting" – the scariest words in the English language. Bruce Whitfield interviews News24 Political Editor Qaanitah Hunter.
Read More
Free Covid-19 vaccine for all medical aid members – Discovery CEO
"It’s mandatory for medical schemes to pay for for the Covid-19 vaccine," says Dr Ryan Noach, CEO at Discovery Health.
Read More
Health Department concerned by over 17,000 new COVID-19 cases
The ministry reported that 465 people have died of COVID-19 since the last report.
Read More
[LISTEN] When can the police arrest you for not wearing a mask
Human Rights Deputy Director Wayne Ncube explains the regulations in terms of wearing a mask in public.
Read More
What will happen to flights that arrive after curfew? Council seeks clarity
Tourism Business Council of South Africa CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa reacts to the new level 3 regulations.
Read More
SA records 1 million COVID-19 cases, Gauteng closely studying the numbers
Gauteng Command Council member professor Bruce Mellado say they concerned about the rise in numbers in the province.
Read More