Zanele Situ - My Story large
Zanele Situ - My Story
Zanele Situ - My Story
Average Rating: 0.0
Country: South Africa
Author: Andy Thesen,
Jesse Breytenbach
& Liz Sparg
Illustrator: Jesse Breytenbach
Ages: 5-8
Publisher: Book Dash
Story Source: StoryWeaver

About The Story

Disabilities don’t define a person’s potential. With determination and perseverance, many have achieved greatness despite their challenges. Zanele Situ lost the use of her limbs due to a spinal illness at a very young age, yet, went on to becoming a Paralympic gold medallist and broke the world record for javelin throw. She reminds us, “If you have a disability, you can still do something you love.” Similarly, in the story The Song in Her Heart, Ringluia, though deaf, masters the traditional Cheraw dance, relying not on listening to the music’s beat but on her unwavering passion and determination. These stories show that obstacles of many kinds can be overcome, offering us powerful examples of human strength and potential.

Themes

Biography
Inclusion & Disability

Sub Themes

Paraolympics
Overcoming challenges

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

  • Learn about Zanele Situ’s real-life journey and achievements
  • Understand the meaning of perseverance and inner strength
  • Reflect on inclusion and respect for people with disabilities Be
  • encouraged to pursue dreams despite physical limitations
  • Appreciate the role of sport in building confidence and resilience

Lesson Plan

  • This lesson introduces students to disability inclusion, resilience, and sportsmanship.
  • Zanele’s story becomes a platform for encouraging empathy, ambition, and self-worth.

Activities

  • Champion Poster: Create a poster about someone who overcame adversity.
  • Ability Awareness Game: Match activities to adaptations that make them accessible.
  • Paralympic Sports Trivia: Introduce different Paralympic games and their rules.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

  • Have you heard of the Paralympics? What do you think it means to never give up?
  • Do you know someone who has overcome a big challenge?

During reading

  • Pause when Zanele is told she can’t walk—ask: How would that make you feel?
  • Ask: What do you think helped her become an athlete?

After reading

  • What challenges did Zanele face? How did she overcome them?
  • What message does her story share with other children?
  • How can we support and include people with disabilities in our lives?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Promotes emotional and physical well-being through sport and personal development.

SDG 4: Quality Education

Shows how access to opportunity and learning can change lives.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Highlights the achievements of a woman with a disability who challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusion.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Highlights the achievements of a woman with a disability who challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusion.

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