A Portland author’s new children’s book was inspired by her nephew who has ADHD and was written to create awareness about the disorder.
Award-winning social entrepreneur, author and Plainsman reporter, Alicia English launched her third solo children’s book, called I Can inspired by her nephew Jamey Hofmeyer, 18, who has ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder).
Ms English is also the founder of The Olive Exchange, which published Mahalia the Rainbow Princess, Shanté and the Whale and I Miss Daddy that she co-write her son Matthew, 10, in 2021 and translated to Afrikaans, Ek Mis My Pappa in 2022, (“Children’s book offers hope to grieving children”, Plainsman, August 19 2021, “Eastridge girl, 5, inspires book character”, Plainsman, June 5).
The mother of three boys graduated with her professional Master’s in Business Administration degree in June and is completing her Humanitarian Doctorate in Business Administration degree.
Her three solo children’s books, including I Can were funded by a start-up grant she received from the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI) earlier this year, following her graduation from its Women’s Livelihood Program at the end of 2023.
I Can is a neuro-diversity story promoting inclusivity and encouraging children of all ages and abilities to believe in themselves and reach their dreams, she said.
The book was illustrated by artist Just Devereaux, who grew up in Tafelsig and now lives in Ruyterwacht.
It was launched on Thursday November 28 at Jamey’s former school, Beacon School for LSEN (Learners with Special Educational Needs) in Westridge.
Jamey, whose hearing is impaired, said he is very happy about the book.
“This book can spread far and wide so that people can be made aware of ADHD. There are many who do not know about the disorder or some may not be aware they have it too. Thank you so much to Aunty Alicia for capturing my life in a book to bring awareness,” he said.
Jamey’s mom, Delphine van Willingh said that when her son was four years old, he couldn’t speak and was referred to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital for speech therapy.
“The doctors said he won’t be able to go to a mainstream school and that he will be behind in life. In one day my whole world came crashing down because at the time I was a single parent. I thought he was naughty but he just couldn’t hear me. He had to put in hearing aids,” she said.
Jamey first attended Mary Kihn School for Hard of Hearing and Deaf Learners in Observatory, where they discovered he had ADHD, followed by Liesbeeck Primary School in Portland. He later transferred to Beacon School.
“It’s been a roller-coaster [journey]. It’s tough raising a child with ADHD, I didn’t have much support back then, but in the end he made me a proud mom. With all the obstacles he went through, I had to be his voice. When I look back on where he came from to where he is now, I am so proud,” she said.
Ms Van Willingh, Chef Xen de Jongh, a hospitality lecturer at Mitchell’s Plain School of Skills in Rocklands, and Elana le Roux, deputy principal of Beacon School for LSEN were part of a panel discussion unpacking the on-going issues for children who are differently-abled, including that of social exclusion and debunking stigmas and myths.
Mr De Jongh, who works with children with autism spectrum disorder and severe intellectual disabilities, including ADHD, also has ADHD, while his youngest son is autistic and his eldest son has severe ADHD.
“Most of the industry do not know how to work with children with special needs, and that’s where the fear comes in and we start giving people labels because we don’t understand them. The stigma is still there but it is the lack of knowledge that is the problem.
“It is in the best interest of companies to employ people with special needs. There is something called the Equity Bill that makes provision for the employment of people with disabilities. But they [companies] think it is just about building a ramp. They don’t understand that there is much more to it,” Mr De Jongh explained.
Ms English is looking to establish and pilot the I Can Club (ICC) Project for children on the autistic spectrum and severe intellectual disabilities and their parents in next year year. ICC will incorporate literacy and life skills interventions.
I Can is available at R50 a copy. For more information, visit www.oliveexchange.net or email info@oliveexchange.co.za
