The Empowering Journey of two Young Authors from Touws River

Armed with determination and their unique voices, young authors Haleema Mirza and Shanidea Persence inspire a generation. Raised in Touws River, a small town characterized by limited financial resources, the duo has harnessed their creativity to build a foundation for their future education.

Haleema and Shanidea, both Grade 6 students at Steenvliet Primary School, developed plans to write and publish Afrikaans books, utilizing the proceeds to fund their higher education tuition. This initiative feels decidedly bold, considering the financial hurdles typically facing disadvantaged learners, and emerges from their shared dream of breaking free from the cycle of poverty.

Shanidea Persence's first book, Uit die kop van ‘n skoolkind (“From the head of a pupil”), promotes positivity and uniqueness, despite the personal challenge of a bone condition in her right hand that causes pain during extended writing sessions. In defiance of her pain, Shanidea has continued to write, already having a second book waiting for publication.

On the other hand, Haleema Mirza, the author of ‘n Lewe vol Vreugde, relies on her writing as a conduit for expression and catharsis. Despite losing her mother in 2022, Haleema continues her literary journey, supported by her family and incorporating her experiences and emotions into her writings. Haleema aspires to a career in medicine, drawing strength from her dream of staying close to home while accomplishing her objectives.

The students' books, being the reflections of their life experiences, thoughts, and observations, have found support from their school as well as generous donations from Hercules Distributors, Boland Skryfbehoeftes, the Touwsrivier Uitreikgroep, and Steenvliet Primary School. This financial backing enabled the young authors to publish 50 copies of their books each in June 2022, which have since been sold at the school.

With such remarkable determination and the profound support of their community, Haleema and Shanidea aim to inspire and touch audiences with their heartfelt stories.