- more than 500 submissions exposed literacy gaps while revealing the creativity of Eswatini’s young storytellers
- calls for creative approaches to literacy after reviewing hundreds of children’s stories
BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE – More than 500 stories have done more than fill pages — they have opened a window into how Eswatini’s children think, imagine and express themselves.
Speaking on the Kusile Breakfast Show on Eswatini TV this morning, Nyangu Young Authors Festival co-founder Kudzai Mushambi said the stories submitted by young writers revealed both concerning literacy gaps and an encouraging depth of creativity among children.
The festival brought together young readers, writers, poets and storytellers in an effort to make literacy a positive and enjoyable experience rather than one associated with fear or punishment.
LITERACY GAPS REMAIN A CONCERN
According to Mushambi, reviewing the hundreds of stories submitted exposed gaps in areas such as phonics, grammar and morphology, showing that some children still need stronger foundations in reading and writing.
He noted that the challenge is particularly significant in Eswatini because English is not the first language for many children, making literacy development an important area requiring attention.
Mushambi argued that traditional approaches to teaching reading and writing may no longer be enough, especially when children associate literacy with punishment or fear of making mistakes.
The festival therefore deliberately removed spelling from its judging criteria, allowing children to focus on creativity, storytelling and expressing their experiences without worrying about being marked down for every error.
CHILDREN HAVE STORIES TO TELL
Despite the challenges, Mushambi said the submissions also revealed something equally important — Eswatini’s children are highly creative.
The stories covered a wide range of experiences, from travelling with parents and caring for grandparents to everyday childhood adventures. Some children even wrote about simple experiences such as visiting KFC.
For Mushambi, the variety demonstrated what can happen when children are given the freedom to express themselves.
He said the festival displayed the submitted stories as an exhibition, giving parents and children an opportunity to read and appreciate the different ways young writers see the world.
While only one child could take the top award, Mushambi said the collection showed that children possess different strengths and creative abilities that deserve to be nurtured.
MAKING LITERACY FUN
Mushambi believes the solution lies partly in changing how children experience learning.
The organisation uses a multi-sensory approach to reading and writing, aiming to make literacy engaging, creative and enjoyable.
The festival reinforces this approach through activities such as poetry, spelling-related activities, dictionary challenges, impromptu speaking and creative art.
According to Mushumbi, reading should be treated as the foundation upon which other skills are built.
A child who can read and write confidently is better positioned to become an effective communicator, regardless of the career they eventually choose.
THE WAY FORWARD
Mushumbi said the next step is to expand the initiative beyond its current reach.
For the 2027 festival, the organisers hope to work more closely with the Ministry of Education, schools, headmasters and organisations working with children.
They also want to introduce regional festivals before the national event, making it easier for children from different parts of the country to participate without travelling long distances to Mbabane.
The organisers further plan to strengthen activities that allow children to interact, learn from one another and build confidence.
TIPS FOR NURTURING YOUNG WRITERS
Mushambi’s message to parents, teachers and communities is clear: give children room to express themselves without fear of judgement.
Children should be encouraged to:
- Read regularly and widely.
- Write about experiences they understand and care about.
- Express their feelings through writing.
- Experiment with stories, poetry, art and speaking.
- Learn from mistakes instead of being ashamed of them.
- Participate in activities that build confidence.
- Read the work of other children and learn from their ideas.
- Treat writing as a creative experience, not simply a school assignment.
For Mushambi , the more than 500 stories are not merely competition entries. They are evidence of both what needs to be strengthened and what is already thriving among Eswatini’s young minds.
The literacy gaps call for action, but the creativity offers hope.
And if given the right platform, guidance and encouragement, the next generation may not only become better readers and writers — they may become the storytellers who shape Eswatini’s future.
#NyanguYoungAuthorsFestival #Literacy #Eswatini #YoungAuthors #Reading #Writing #EPN
