Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Giving kids the love of reading
THE book Graça’s Dream reflects Graça Machel’s goal of instilling a love of reading in African children.
The book was inspired by Machel, an international advocate for women’s and children’s rights.
Author Melissa Fagan said the book came about as Book Dash gathered writers, illustrators, book designers and editors in one room to produce print-ready children’s books in just 12 hours.
“We creatives were tasked with producing 10 biographical stories about inspirational African women. Thanks to the sponsors, we were given enough caffeine, food, and encouragement to sustain us through this marathon for the creative mind,” said Fagan.
The story follows Machel’s upbringing and her school years, when the hard-working pupil won a scholarship to attend a city school as a teenager. The book tells of her hopes to be a teacher and use her degree to educate others because she wanted the children of her beloved Mozambique to enjoy the joys of reading and studying.
The story continues, with Machel meeting new friends, learning new languages and reading many books after excelling at school and obtaining another scholarship, to a university in Portugal. While all of this made her happy, she was sad that people back at home were not free.
Armed with her education, skills, and hope, as well as the support of friends who believed in children’s right to learn, she travelled to Mozambique to use her knowledge and work with her friends to bring about change.
Fagan said the story spoke to her in several ways since she, too, was encouraging young people to appreciate reading.
“Graça Machel’s story is inspirational of course – from humble beginnings in Mozambique she went on to help her country gain independence and significantly raised the literacy level of its children in her first two years as Minister of Education and Culture.
“She was passionate about sharing her love of books and learning with her people.”