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The innovative and inclusive Akiki Doll

Transform your kids? bedrooms with the Akiki Doll

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By Amy Saunders | July 27, 2018 | Interiors

In our modern society, raising our kids with positive role models and positive representation in popular culture that they can relate to, learn and grow with is every parent’s concern. Especially in South Africa.

In May 2016, Futuma Abdulla launched the Akiki Doll after identifying the dire need for this kind of character in the children’s entertainment market. Akiki is an afro-centric 5-year-old African girl who entertains and teaches children values and basic life skills. Akiki’s stories feature journeys to different African countries with important life lessons taking place along the way.

 

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The doll was created as a channel for children to embrace their diversity, appreciate their differences and develop a sense of self-worth. The name Akiki is derived from the Swahili word for ruby, the stone associated with nobility, courage and confidence. These are the qualities that Futuma believes children must develop. Take a look at Futuma Abdulla’s story below.

‘When my daughter started crèche, she came home one day and said, ‘mama I want my hair to be straight’ and I looked at her and said no our hair is not straight, our hair is curly, and then she was like, yeh, but I want my hair to look like so and so and I thought to myself I need to do something about this,’ recalls Fatuma.

 

After graduating from university Fatuma began working for a financial institution. Her father’s work as a paint manufacturer and her project management background helped her significantly in her journey to create her doll. Akiki is now addressing the diversity gap and celebration of African children in children’s play and literature.

‘This was confirmed when bringing up my children, the readily available toys and books are very Eurocentric, not representative of us. Akiki came into existence so African children have a positive kiddie character they can identify with, affirm positivity and connect children through stories in an African context that teach and entertain,’ said Fatuma.

 

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For the next 5 years, Fatuma plans for Akiki to be an established reader brand for foundation learners in schools across Africa.

‘I believe it is important for our children to learn to read with African stories and this starts at the foundation phase.’

Akiki products can be found online on the website www.akikidolls.com, and in partner stores such as Ethnic Kids, Toys with roots and independent stores such as African flavour.

 

Featured Image: Supplied