Alice Migwi, the CEO, of Jaracanda Designs, the publishers of Afro-centric children’s books. PHOTO | MWIKALI LATI
In 1991, Jacaranda Designs began providing children and young adults with books and learning tools celebrating their cultures. They created three characters: Hugo Hippo, Mcheshi and Nuru. A hard sell then, they are now – according to Alice Migwi, the CEO – in demand for Afro-centric books.
You publish Afro-centric books. Does that mean just having African characters and names?
No. It is much deeper. We did not want children to be denied the dignity of their culture. If someone does not know where he or she comes from then that person is lost.
What are some of the traditional and cultural values included in your publications?
Self-dignity, self-esteem and pride of our roots, and patriotism.
Hugo Hippo seems a popular character, how did he come about?
The artist James Okello and a group of children created this lively and humorous character in focus group sessions. We asked them to describe what appealed to them—and they created Hugo Hippo.
He is funny, brave and curious. Children of age two to six enjoy learning their ABCs and geography with this fun character that travels around Africa.
What is the Mcheshi series all about? And what is it meant to teach children?
Mcheshi’s creation was based on intensive market research and brainstorming on ways to develop a rich series for five to nine year-olds. This series exposes young readers to how we live, work, travel and who we are.
Nuru?
Nuru dared us to think about our choices and their consequences. Created for teenagers and young adults, it focuses on the relationships this age group encounters—from friendships to romantic ones. We are thinking of bringing it back.
What is the best thing about writing children’s books?
Children are the future and being able to inspire and nurture their curiosity and self-dignity is important. Writing for children is an opportunity to expose them to values, critical thinking and the joys of learning.
What contributed to your success in publishing children’s books?
The richness of our content and creativity plus their high quality standard are contributing factors. We strive to publish what children and young people want.
What does Jacaranda Designs stand for?
Under our Jacaranda Africa division we respond to the reading and learning — plus “edu-tainment” —demands of children and young people plus their teachers and parents.
What next for Jacaranda?
We want to keep going and expand using various media platforms. It is an exciting time.
