Opportunity for youth to become published authors
The Durban International Book Fair's (#DIBF2023) Harambee project is giving learners the opportunity to become published authors.
PRIMARY and high school learners have the opportunity to become published authors through the Durban International Book Fair’s (#DIBF2023) Harambee project.
The concept, which draws on the KiSwahili word meaning ‘all pull together’, invites learners to submit short stories or poems along that theme.
The #DIBF2023 LitFest takes place in Africa’s only Unesco city of literature in August, with the organisers keen to mobilise young people to participate.
Dr Phindile Dlamini, an author and academic who heads up the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press, said they were excited to be part of promoting a new generation of authors.
“When it comes to youth, we usually focus on reading, but here we have an avenue for young people to get into print and have their work reach a global audience,” she said.
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Zandile Qono, the chairperson of the book fair, a non-profit organisation, said stories and poems may be submitted in either IsiZulu or English to go into two volumes.
She added that submissions, with a maximum 2 000 word count, are invited from schools and individuals for consideration by a panel of assessors.
“Those that make the cut, both in content and the space available in the two volumes, will be paid an honorarium of R250, as well as book hamper valued at R1 000 for their school library,” she said.
Qono said the learners’ work will be showcased at the event set to take place at the Globe theatre in Suncoast Casino from August 9 to 13.
Schools and teachers are urged to contact the organisers to arrange school trips to the event, especially on August 10 and 11, when a series of book launches and workshops will take place for learners.
The organisers may be reached on director@durbanbookfair.co.za and on their social media platforms.
The deadline for submissions is on May 31, with publication anticipated by the end of July.
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