To reignite the spirit of reading and writing among Malawian youth, a dedicated digital eBook Platform, Mabuku Online has launched a grassroots campaign called “Read Malawian”, targeting secondary school students with the goal of inspiring a new generation of readers and writers.
The “Read Malawian” campaign was launched during the Book Week celebration at God’s Grace Academy with the motive to revive student-led book and writer clubs and feed them with Malawian stories that mirror their realities, dreams and language.
Founded by author and entrepreneur Clement Mambulasa, Mabuku Online says the campaign encourages students to read and write Malawian stories.
But this latest campaign takes their work a step further off the screen and into the schoolyards
“We felt like this is when students are in the best position to understand the message and know the importance of reading.
“They are still young enough that they haven’t yet preoccupied their minds with career-specific stuff, and they can also grow their skills in writing their own pieces,” Mambulasa spoke with ProjectM.
Students at God’s Grace Academy have responded with enthusiasm as it has revived book clubs.
“I never knew there were so many books written by Malawians. Reading them makes me feel proud,”one of the students, Christina Msiska said.
As the “Read Malawian” campaign continues to roll out to more schools, the Mabuku Online team is hopeful that this initiative will spark a literary rebirth that will empower the youth.
“For too long, our students have consumed stories that are far from their lived experiences. Bringing Malawian literature directly into schools, we are saying your stories matter too,” Mambulasa added.
