Ginny Stone is the author of a successful children’s series called Sibo. A former employee of iThemba LABS in Faure, Cape Town, responsible for the science and technology outreach programme, Stone has always been passionate about getting “a message across to kids in a manner which they enjoy and understand”. She uses her series essentially as a tool to teach children about the importance of looking after the environment. Her recent work, Sibo Mixes Things Up, was used to celebrate 2011 as the International Year of Science, hosted by Sci-bono Discovery Centre. She also designs educational games and posters and writes a blog.
How old are you?
My gran would have said “as old as my tongue and a bit older than my teeth!” I’m 48 years young.
How do you earn a living?
Among other things, I write children’s books — the Sibo series (10 so far, all published by Let’s Look publishers). They are fun, educational books, written in wacky rhyme, that deliver harsh messages about such issues as global warming, HIV/Aids, the shortage of water, recycling issues and sustainability in a gentle, non-threatening way.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in Malawi, but later moved to South Africa, where I have lived ever since.
Where and when did you start your primary schooling?
I went to St Andrews Primary School in 1967 in Blantyre, Malawi, and to high school at the same school in 1974. My parents moved to South Africa and, in 1976, enrolled me at Worcester High School in Cape Town, where I lasted for only a year because of my naughtiness. As a result, my parents moved me to Helderberg High School in Somerset West in 1978.
After I finished matric I could not go to university due to circumstances. What I’ve learned today was either through the “university of life” or from courses I’ve done.
Did you have favourite teacher(s)?
I actually have two favourite teachers — one past, one present. At Helderberg my favourite teacher was my English teacher, Kevin Hartung. He was young and hip and it was hard to ruffle his feathers. He used to allow me to write essays on ridiculous topics. He is largely responsible for my love of writing.
My second-favourite teacher is my daughter, Lauren, who has been teaching grade two at Fanie Theron Primary School in Brackenfell for several years. She is my biggest fan; she uses the Sibo books for reading [at school] and then finds different creative uses for them.
Do you still have contact with your old English teacher and if yes, how?
I looked Kevin Hartung up on Facebook a few years ago and found that he’s now in New Zealand. I was so glad to be able to finally thank him for shaping my lovely career as a writer.
What were your favourite subject(s) and why?
I loved English — but only the creative writing bits. Also art and, come to think of it, I quite liked geography, too — probably because we got to draw all those maps and things. Clearly the right side of my brain gets more use than the left!
From your point of view, what are the qualities of a good teacher?
Good teachers don’t lose their cool and shout and scream. They find other innovative ways of dealing with unruly children. Nor do they squish the individual ones into the same box as the rest. Good teachers go the extra mile to make things interesting and, best of all, enjoy their work too.
What are the things a teacher should never do or say?
“You’re so stupid” especially in front of all the other children. I do think it’s hugely important to respect children. If a teacher expects respect he or she must reciprocate. Just because children are smaller than you does not mean that they do not have feelings, too.
What message do you have for teachers in South Africa?
Thank you. I know your jobs are often not easy and things keep changing. Don’t give up or give in. The work you are doing is more important than the president’s job. You are shaping our future.