Diana Mwanyangapo
“A word after a word after a word is power” and that is the magic of narratives, the ability to transform lives, perspectives and worldviews. It can only happen through reading because true reading is when you make meaning from reading. It is indeed critical that we instil the culture of reading and writing in our nation’s citizens. Reading equips us with valuable knowledge and develops our imagination and creativity. Most importantly, reading improves our communication skills as we get to know new vocabulary and at the same time, it allows us to better express ourselves.
In Namibia, we have a limited love of words and this can result in most of us being left behind in the reproduction, acquisition, and consumption of important information. A written-down story can convey an essential message that can help you in one way or another. Messages are communicated in writing and if we do not embrace the culture of reading, we will not be aware of such information. The more you read, the more you will know.
Writing goes hand in hand with reading. Writing is equally important as it carries one’s message to readers, which is meant to be beneficial to them. Writing can also come in the form of poetry. Writing poems allows writers to express their emotions and allow readers to connect to those emotions. We should be able to enjoy reading and writing; the same way we enjoy songs and dancing to music.
The recently launched Namibia Readers Club is making all this happen. It is a voluntary club that promotes a reading and writing culture across a wide section of people in Namibia. It aims to impact lives and it is here to stay.
Our key objectives are:
- To raise awareness of the value of reading through customised and targeted activities.
-To promote discussion, debate, and engagement in key narratives and themes from specific written works.
- Encourage the reading of a wide range of written works from the African continent.
Our main themes are the domestication of the English language, literature and language; the value of reading; public lectures on specific readings and writings; interviews with members on specific topics; school campaigns; debates and book reviews.
Against this backdrop, we are inviting fellow writers and book lovers to share and discuss their writings or any books they may want to recommend for reading. In this way, we are giving opportunities to fellow writers to share and discuss their writings. It is either you write something worth reading or you do something worth writing.
* Diana Mwanyangapo is an English graduate of the University of Namibia.