PARAMARIBO – In a culturally significant event at the well-attended Tori Oso venue, illustrator Hedy Tjin and writer Zindzi Zevenbergen officially launched their award-winning children’s book “Manie Schaafijs” in Suriname on Wednesday evening. The work creatively documents the little-known story of how Tjin’s great-grandfather, Francisco de Freitas, introduced shaved ice desserts to Surinamese culture generations ago.
The publication event, organized in collaboration with Schrijversgroep ’77, featured insightful discussions about the production process and live readings from the book. Distinguished attendees included John Dos Ramos, president of MadeiSu (Association of Madeiran Descendants in Suriname), historian Mildred Caprino, and Winston Tjin—grandson of the historical figure Manie Schaafijs and father of illustrator Hedy Tjin.
Tjin expressed emotional significance in finally presenting the book in her family’s homeland. “When publishing a book, you never know how it will resonate. We released this three years ago, yet educational demand continues to surprise us,” she noted during the thematic evening.
Zevenbergen, returning to Suriname after two decades, shared how the creative process reignited her connection to the country. “This project made me reconsider why I stayed away so long. The recognition of cultural elements here creates a different reading experience than in the Netherlands.”
The authors emphasized their primary goal of reaching young readers, with school visits already planned. Through Stichting Skrifi, a children’s book writing workshop will further promote cultural storytelling. The literary visit received support from Literatuur Vlaanderen.
Historically, the book fills a gap in Surinamese narrative tradition by highlighting Madeiran immigration history beyond dominant slavery narratives. Its previous recognition includes the prestigious Thea Beckmanprijs for best historical youth literature in the Netherlands.