In Soshanguve lives Keneuwe, a 7-year-old with a heart full of sunshine. Her eyes sparkle with stories, but she finds it tricky to say words, keeping them locked away.

Keneuwe’s world is full of challenges. When friends giggle, she replies with “mmm-gggh” and “urhh” as words play hide-and-seek. Frustration visits, but her hands become magical dancers, creating a secret language to catch the runaway words.

“Mama, teach me the ABCs so I can be the best!” Keneuwe said with zest, but her words got tangled. Frustrated, Mama sighed and sent her to her room. Keneuwe longed to speak, but her words stayed trapped, like a song she couldn’t set free.

Bullying followed Keneuwe like a relentless shadow. They mocked and named her “Semumu,” causing sorrow. But her
mother and father sought guidance from ancient voices wise,
“Take her to a special needs school” she realized.

Mmamane Nia swoops in like a superhero. “Let’s talk with our hands, Keneuwe,” she says. Together, they create a special language of signs and twirls. With her camera, Nia captures their world. Through shared meals and braids.

Keneuwe played with her hands expressing her heart, signing and gesturing, her language was art. She made sounds and
expressions, her intent crystal clear, but other kids would laugh,
fueled by ignorance and fear.

Keneuwe’s parents embark on a brave journey, facing whispers and stares while searching for a school where she can shine. Shame melts into determination as they realize their unique child isn’t a puzzle to hide but a masterpiece to embrace.

Debunking Myths.
Myth 1: A Curse on Words.
“Keneuwe, you’re not cursed,” says Mom, brushing aside old tales. “Your words are a magical song waiting to be heard.” Together, they rewrite the story, replacing fear with love and acceptance.

Myth 2: Burdened by Difference.

“Differences make us stronger,” Dad says. Together, they prove Keneuwe’s uniqueness isn’t a burden but a gift, turning their journey into a celebration of joy and discovery.

Myth 3: Beyond the Silent Veil

“Look, Keneuwe, your mind is a star-filled sky,” says Mmamane
Nia. They shatter the myth that speaking equals intelligence,
uncovering a universe of wisdom beyond the silent veil of
words.

With each frustration turned into determination, Keneuwe
discovers a language that’s not spoken but danced, a connection
beyond words. Hands weave stories and laughter becomes the
melody of their unique symphony.

In the embrace of her own uniqueness, Keneuwe shows the world that joy can be found in playing, even without spoken
words. The myths crumble and like a radiant star, Keneuwe
illuminates a path of acceptance and understanding.

And so, in the town of Soshanguve, Keneuwe’s story becomes a lesson for all that words are not just spoken but felt,
that differences are not burdens but gifts, and that the true
magic lies in finding our words together.