A nine-year-old girl has written about the struggles facing children during the pandemic.
Olive Jamieson, from Twickenham, began her book in the first coronavirus lockdown in March 2020, as a diary.
“I was frustrated, because I felt like people didn’t understand what it was like for children during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It was my goal just to put my thoughts down. I felt like I could share my experiences through writing them down, and that made me feel better,” she said.
Now, Olive has turned her experiences into a book named The Coronavirus Kids.
She covers disappointments that have become all too common for children over the last year, including cancelled plans, missing out on school and being separated from friends.
“My biggest hope for the book is that it will help people understand how hard it is for kids in coronavirus times. And that it will help alert the government that it is so much harder for kids not going to school, than they think,” added the nine-year-old.
All profits from book sales will go to Ella’s, a charity for women who’ve survived trafficking.
“I chose Ella’s because the women they support have been through horrible experiences and they need a lot of support. Like children, their voices are being heard less than others during the pandemic and their freedoms have been even more limited.”
Minke van Til, Co-Director at Ella’s, praised the nine-year-old for her support.
“We are so impressed that Olive has put her thoughts into this amazing book, and we’re touched that she picked Ella’s as her charity to support. Olive is right - the pandemic has been extremely difficult for survivors of trafficking and exploitation.
“It has restricted their access to the people, services and activities aiding their rehabilitation, and has left many feeling like they’re being locked away all over again. The pandemic has also made fundraising more challenging than ever, so we’re deeply thankful for the support of people like Olive.”
The Coronavirus Kids by Olive Jamieson is available to order now on Amazon, priced £4.00.
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