IBBY-Yamada 2024: Zimbabwe

IBBY-Yamada 2024: Zimbabwe
Empowering New Authors for Young People and Children’s Literature

In response to the shortage of engaging books for children aged 4–12, IBBY Zimbabwe launched a country-wide initiative to empower new and emerging authors to create inclusive, relevant, and compelling children’s literature. With the support of the Yamada Fund, the project focused on training aspiring writers, particularly those previously excluded from mainstream publishing, through two intensive workshops on story development, character creation, narrative technique, and professional writing practices.

The initiative brought together a diverse group of participants including authors, teachers, illustrators, and community leaders. Workshop sessions covered a wide range of topics such as crafting believable characters, building suspense, writing engaging dialogue, and incorporating sensitive cultural, political, and gender issues with care. Practical sessions emphasized the importance of research, planning, and professional ethics, including copyright awareness and plagiarism prevention.

Participants learned to take stories "beyond the book" by reflecting children’s real-world experiences and promoting storytelling that informs, inspires, and entertains. Role-playing and peer discussions provided opportunities to practice new techniques and receive feedback. By the end of the program, attendees reported increased confidence in writing and a deeper understanding of how literature can reflect and transform their communities.

The workshops also laid the foundation for the development of a national writing manual for children’s literature, which will be distributed to libraries and writers’ associations. Plans for 2025 include expanding the programme to new regions, creating radio adaptations of children’s stories, and continuing collaboration with publishers and organizations such as Book Aid International.