MVisionaries Leading Publishers (MVLP) has partnered with local primary schools to help young authors publish their first books.

Through the Young Authors Project, 10 learners from Goza Primary Park had the opportunity to write and publish 10 books based on a theme of their choice.

On October 24, MVLP and Goza Primary were joined by the Education Department, the Eldorado Park SAPS, comedian Khanyisa Bunu and other stakeholders to celebrate the young authors when they launched the books at Freedom Park.

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The group of authors included four Grade Five learners:

Happiness Mudau: The Day I Met Lerato;

Ntsako Semelani: Zandile and Her Grandfather;

Lesedi Rabotswe: How Lethabo Got His First Everything: Poverty Couldn’t Hold Him Back!;

Ripfumelo Nkuna: Mtha The Little Ant Becomes a Big Hero.

Grade Six learners:

Tania Rikhotso: Rami in South Korea: From Dreams to Reality!;

Ndzima Mabasa: Kindness Chain with Xolile;

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Future Maluleke: School Out, Mystery In! A School Trip to Whisper Forest Camp;

Lulama Khoza: Tiyani and the Magic Rock;

Polite Mashele: Hide and Seek Pranks;

Sbongalona Ngcongo: Dancing with Nomusa! A Talking Flower’s Dream.

School principal Wendy Sundani spoke about the reading and writing programme launched at the school.

“I wanted my kids to be authors, too, and I wanted them to be authors at a tender age. If you teach a child at a tender age, they will never depart from that programme,” she said.

She noted that the initiative had already made a noticeable difference, with many learners more interested in reading and some even motivated to write their own books.

“One learners came in after the book launch and said she wants to write a book too,” Sundani added.

She also said that while learners are writing in English, she hopes to encourage them to write in their mother tongues next year to preserve cultural heritage.

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Acting deputy principal Ismail Mokamu said the programme helps young authors foster an extraordinary culture while improving literacy skills among learners. He noted that with 10 young authors participating this year, the school is confident that each learner will benefit from the programme.

“Next year, we will have even more participants because after today’s event, we have seen many learners eager to be part of this writing initiative,” he said.

Author and founder of MVLP, Desire, along with partner Mahlogonolo Mogosoane, initiated the programme at Naturana Primary School last year, and its success sparked interest from other schools.

After 15 years working in the banking industry, Desire quit her job to focus on her childhood dream. She began writing at the age of 14, but due to a lack of resources and knowledge, none of her materials were published.
When she returned to writing, Desire reflected on her early love for the craft.

“After I went back to writing, I realised that I started when I was young, and there are some children who might love writing or are already writing, but might not have the information I lacked back then.

“Schools are focused on sports and chess. I never had opportunities to participate in writing unless it was a competition, so I thought to help others,” she said.

Mahlogonolo noted that last year, the influx of children into the library during the project showed a growing interest in reading books written by their peers.

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“Now, they want to go to the library to read the books,” he said.

He also expressed concern about the decline in reading habits, with many children turning to phones and videos instead of books.

“We are trying to bring back the culture of reading because nobody reads anymore,” Mahlogonolo said.

The second launch is at Freedom Park Primary School on November 4.

For more information, call Desire on 061 527 9908.