MBABANE – Fresh from releasing her memoir ‘The Chapter – Volume 1’, local author Nicky Ndwandwe has launched a nationwide initiative.
The initiative is aimed at turning her book into a platform for promoting literacy, healing and personal development. Dubbed The Chapter Initiative, the programme seeks to encourage a culture of reading while using storytelling to inspire resilience, leadership and lifelong learning among emaSwati. It builds on Ndwandwe’s memoir, which was officially launched by the minister for Education and Training in June this year, and expands its message through community-based engagements.
Rather than focusing solely on book promotion, the initiative will roll out reading campaigns, leadership dialogues, school programmes, author talks, literacy advocacy and community storytelling platforms across the country.
Ndwandwe, an education professional, researcher and motivational speaker, said the initiative was founded on the belief that books could transform lives and strengthen communities. “It is a movement that believes books can heal, words can empower, stories can unite communities and education can transform generations,” she said.
She added that the initiative aimed to encourage people to embrace their personal journeys and confidently write the next chapter of their lives.
The memoir at the centre of the campaign explores themes of resilience, healing, faith, education, leadership and purpose, drawing on Ndwandwe’s personal experiences to encourage readers to overcome life’s challenges and pursue personal transformation. The project uses the book as a catalyst for discussions on emotional well-being, hope and lifelong learning.
According to the initiative’s concept, activities will include school reading sessions, motivational talks, community dialogues, church engagements, media interviews, book signings and digital awareness campaigns. Partnerships are also expected with schools, tertiary institutions, libraries, churches, government institutions and community organisations to expand the programme’s reach. Among its long-term ambitions are the establishment of school reading clubs, community reading circles, young writers’ development programmes, mentorship opportunities for emerging authors, literacy and healing dialogues and annual writers’ conferences. As part of the initiative, Ndwandwe also announced the inaugural Writers and Authors Annual Impact Conference, scheduled for November.
The conference, themed ‘Writing for Impact: Transforming Lives and Communities Through Literature, Innovation and Storytelling’, is expected to bring together writers, publishers, educators, students, creatives, entrepreneurs, policymakers and literary enthusiasts from Eswatini and beyond. Delegates will participate in keynote presentations, practical workshops, publishing discussions and networking sessions aimed at strengthening the country’s literary and creative sectors.
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Ndwandwe said every person had a story worth telling. “Every setback has a lesson worth learning. Every life is written in chapters – and no matter where you are today, your next chapter can become your greatest one. The Chapter Initiative exists to inspire people to read, to heal, to dream and to discover the courage to keep turning the page,” she said.
The initiative has received financial support from the Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) through its Fund for Creativity and Artist Development (CIDF), which is funding the nationwide promotion of The Chapter – Volume 1 and related outreach activities.
Leave a comment