For the first time, public libraries in Maryland, US, have accepted Kiswahili children's books into their collections, providing access to Tanzanian literature for children abroad. This development is a result of the hard work of Zawadi Sakapalla-Ukondwa, a published author based in Howard County, Maryland. Her books have met publication standards and obtained Library of Congress cataloguing, making them available for free borrowing with a library card.
Zawadi Sakapalla-Ukondwa, a Tanzanian author, recognized the need to preserve Tanzanian heritage among diaspora children. She noted that local Maryland public libraries lacked books about Tanzania, but had collections about other African countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. To address this gap, Zawadi authored five children's books that tell Tanzanian stories in Kiswahili and English. The books are aimed at children aged three to eight years and focus on themes like love, friendship, adventure, travel, and curiosity.
The books, including "Let's Go Volunteer," follow the story of a girl named Mariam and her doll Simba as they travel from the US to Tanzania. The stories promote Tanzanian values, traditions, and culture, and offer lessons on sharing, volunteering, and cultural exchange. Zawadi's goal is to instill knowledge of Tanzanian culture in young children, emphasizing the importance of preserving heritage. As she noted, "Bend a fish while it is still fresh," highlighting the need to teach children about their culture early on.
The availability of these books is crucial for Tanzanian parents in the diaspora who struggle to find resources to teach their children Kiswahili and about Tanzanian culture. One parent in Washington, D.C., has expressed gratitude for the books, which will help her 8-year-old daughter improve her Kiswahili vocabulary. The books have also attracted interest from parents who are not part of the diaspora community, as they promote global citizenship and cultural awareness.
Zawadi's books have been well-received by children and parents alike. At a book launch in the US, a third-grader praised the book for showing her things her mom had talked about, like vitumbua. The books blend Kiswahili and English, making them accessible to diaspora children with limited Kiswahili vocabulary. The stories are based on Zawadi's own experiences taking her children to Tanzania, and feature realistic illustrations and traditional Tanzanian songs.
The success of Zawadi's books has led to plans for further expansion. The book "Twende kwa Bibi" is set to be launched at Central Library, Maktaba Square in Dar es Salaam on Nyerere Day. This new book will be part of a series that aims to promote Tanzanian culture and language among children. With the growing demand for these books, Zawadi's efforts are expected to have a lasting impact on preserving Tanzanian heritage among diaspora children.
The importance of these books cannot be overstated, as they provide a vital link to Tanzanian culture and language for children abroad. Without access to such resources, diaspora children risk losing their cultural identity. Zawadi's work is a testament to the power of literature in preserving heritage and promoting cultural awareness. Her books have shown that, with creativity and determination, it is possible to make a positive impact on the lives of children and communities.
Key points
- Tanzanian author Zawadi Sakapalla-Ukondwa has successfully introduced Kiswahili children's books into public libraries in Maryland, US.
- The books promote Tanzanian culture, values, and language, and are aimed at preserving heritage among diaspora children.
- The availability of these books has sparked interest among parents and children, and is expected to have a lasting impact on cultural awareness and preservation.
