The book The Adventures of the Clowns, Johnny and Jack and the Alien was written by members of Fountain House Observatory, a Cape Mental Health (CMH) Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programme for adults with psychosocial disability.
To break down the stigma of mental health a children’s book narrating the adventures of two retired clowns encountering extra-terrestrials was introduced at the Observatory Library recently.
The book The Adventures of the Clowns, Johnny and Jack and the Alien was written by members of Fountain House Observatory, a Cape Mental Health (CMH) Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programme for adults with psychosocial disability.
The book was launched in October in commemoration of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Barbara Meyer, Public Relations and Communications Officer at CMH, says: “We encourage people not to think that just because you have a diagnosis that means that all your hopes and dreams are not achievable.
“People can join the programme if they feel that they need more support.”
Meyer says at Fountain House they aim to assist people in reintegrating into society.
“Many of the clients that come here have low self-esteem because of their diagnosis. They are afraid because of the way people have acted towards them in the community.
“So, at the centre we rebuild people’s self-confidence and give them life skills again. Sometimes when you have been sick for too long, you must relearn these things.”
Tasneema Davids, a staff member at Fountain House, says the book is the result of a five-month-long literacy project, which started in March, in celebration of South African Library Week.
She adds that the project was coordinated by the Observatory Library in collaboration with Fountain House.
Davids says: “The library programme started informally about a year ago when Fountain House members started visiting the library on alternative Wednesdays to read, learn about writing, and enjoy the library.”
Cleolaine Delmore, the Senior Librarian at Observatory Library, developed a series of library activities that included a short novice-writing workshop to introduce and inspire the members to write.
Together with Davids, Delmore started brainstorming with the members around a storyline for a children’s book, and during the course of this year the tale of The Adventures of the Clowns, Johnny and Jack and the Alien was born.
The book comprises two stories that were written by Thomas Marthinussen and Asenathi Ngcephe, with the input of fellow Fountain House members, and was illustrated by Volker Mann.
Davids says: “The stories talk about two clowns who at the end of their careers go on new adventures and make new friends.”
Davids explains that on the day of the launch Fountain House member Vusumzi Khayingana, who could not read until a year before, opened a book and started to read.
“Our members are so proud of themselves; they were so motivated to write and develop this book. It built up their self-esteem. Now they can go home and talk to their families about their achievements,” says Davids.
Davids adds that the book is now in a publisher’s draft format. The final print of the book will also include the illustrations of the other members who participated in the writing programme.
The Friends of Observatory Library sponsored the printing of the first copies.
Davids calls on sponsors to get involved so that they can publish the book. “Fountain House members are now looking forward to the next phase, which is to get the book’s ISBN (International Standard Book Number). The book is appropriate for children between the ages of eight and 10 years.”
Members also hope to enter a competition hosted by the National Library of South Africa for local authors. Prizes include a national book grant to publish more copies of their book.
Meyer says the aim was to make the members feel good about themselves and show them that they can start and finish a project.
“For the members to have these moments where they are feeling good about themselves is important. Many of them have been rejected throughout their lives and made to feel not worthy. But they are regaining confidence.”
