This archive report was first published on 27 November 2019.
On November 20, 2019, Ghana's Deborah Ahenkorah received the 2019 Global Pluralism Award in Ottawa, Canada, for her groundbreaking work in promoting African children's literature.
As a child, Deborah struggled to find books that reflected her own experiences and culture. She recalls being puzzled by the lack of diversity in children's literature, with characters often depicted as having European features and hair textures.
Deborah's realization sparked a passion for creating books that would allow African children to see themselves in the stories they read. She founded Golden Baobab, an initiative dedicated to finding, matching, and supporting Africa's most talented writers and illustrators.
Through Golden Baobab, Deborah has connected writers and illustrators from across the continent, resulting in the publication of high-quality children's books that showcase African cultures and experiences. Her work has been recognized by major publishing houses, including African Bureau Stories, Penguin Random House South Africa, and Cassava Republic Press.
Deborah's commitment to promoting African children's literature is rooted in her belief that every child deserves to see themselves in the stories they read. By doing so, she hopes to empower African children to appreciate and celebrate their own cultures and identities.
As we reflect on the importance of representation in children's literature, Deborah's work serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that diverse storytelling can have on young minds. By supporting initiatives like Golden Baobab, we can help create a more inclusive and representative literary landscape for African children.
