Little Nana’s takes journey through Brixton
Little Nana is a symbolism of those who have left their places of birth in search of a better life.
Little Nana is the giant puppet representing a 10-year-old Zimbabwean migrant child at the heart of the #SameCampaign.
She symbolises the vulnerability and immense courage required by anyone who relocates to a new place in pursuit of employment and a better life.
The puppet was built by Roger Titley, and supported by various NGOs and human rights organisations including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Lawyers for Human Rights and the Helen Suzman Foundation.
Little Nana has embarked on her journey, where she will be visiting various locations throughout South Africa, such as her recent visit to the Brixton Light Festival. There, she received a warm welcome from a 40-piece band from the Field Band Foundation and an estimated 3 000 attendees at the festival who came mostly from the surrounding area.
The Grade 1 class of Auckland Park-based Mimosa School, had many questions for her: How did she make her journey? Could they join her on her adventure? Could she have a pet to accompany her?
Sophia Welz, chairperson of the Brixton Community Forum, said at the festival, a three-year-old child was initially intimidated by Little Nana’s sheer size – after all, she’s a very big 10-year-old. However, upon leaving the festival, the child asked her parents if they could take Nana home, concerned about where she would sleep otherwise – outside? What if we could all extend the kindness our children show to all our neighbours?
“Nana’s mission is to build connections, raise awareness, and initiate conversations about the rights and experiences of migrants,” Welz explained.
The #SameCampaign strives to promote collective action and nurture a society founded on values such as respect, equality, and safety for everyone.
Details: #SameCampaign, www.nana.africa
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