Christian Ngao, a Grade Five pupil at Kings Modern Academy in Dar es Salaam, has already made a name for himself as a young author. At just 10 years old, he has written three books, including "The Good Lawyer", "The Man Who Once Changed", and "Sam the Marine Zoologist". His journey into writing began with reading children's stories, which sparked his imagination and creativity. With the support of his mother, Ms Farida Sanga, Christian has been able to nurture his talent and produce works that showcase his skills.
Christian's mother, Ms Sanga, played a crucial role in recognizing and encouraging her son's talent. Initially, she thought his ideas were just ordinary childhood imagination, but when she tested his abilities, she was convinced that he had something special to offer. She provided him with paper and a pen, and asked him to write without assistance. The result was impressive, and she encouraged him to continue writing, saving the proceeds from his first book rather than treating it as a source of income.
Christian's story raises questions about the opportunities available to children whose talents emerge but are never recognized. English and Literature teacher, Mr Deosanctus Mtenga, notes that Christian's ability is striking, especially when compared to older children who struggle to develop even a single paragraph. Mr Mtenga attributes the decline in reading habits to the abundance of entertainment options available to children today, including smartphones, social media, and television.
However, Mr Mtenga believes that technology itself is not the enemy, but rather what children do with it. He emphasizes the importance of reading and writing as leisure activities that develop independent thinking. According to him, literature is about imagination and creativity, and writers use their imagination to communicate ideas and stories to society.
The Tanzanian government has taken steps to strengthen the environment in which writers and publishers operate. The Mwalimu Nyerere National Creative Writing Awards were established to identify and recognize Tanzanian writers. Since the awards began, 27 Tanzanians have won in different categories, and the government has invested about Sh800 million to publish winning works and distribute them to schools.
Parents and teachers have a responsibility to recognize children's interests early and provide them with the necessary support. Mr Mtenga emphasizes that when a child's talent is identified, they should be encouraged to pursue it. Christian's ambition is already bigger than becoming an author; he wants to teach children and others about the importance of reading and discovering hidden talents.
Christian's story serves as an inspiration to young Tanzanians and highlights the significance of reading in unlocking their potential. His achievement is not just about writing three books, but about discovering that he can become a creator of stories, ideas, and knowledge. As the government and individuals continue to support young writers and readers, Tanzania may witness a surge in creative talent and innovation.
Key points
- A 10-year-old Tanzanian boy has written three books, showcasing the power of reading in unlocking young minds and fostering creativity.
- The decline in reading habits among children is attributed to the abundance of entertainment options available today.
- The Tanzanian government has established the Mwalimu Nyerere National Creative Writing Awards to identify and recognize Tanzanian writers.
