BULAWAYO - Upcoming Bulawayo author Njabulo Moyo has been appointed the African Young Writers Association (Aywa) director for Zimbabwe.
Aywa is a youth organisation based in the Ghanaian capital, Accra and seeks to create a platform for young African writers to share stories about the writing craft.
Part of the organisation’s activities include participation in book fairs, acting as a literary agent, spearheading rural outreach and literacy programmes, advocacy works, publishing, and yearly compilations of writings .
The 26-year-old author, who is also a motivational speaker, told the Daily News that he regarded the appointment as recognition of his contribution to the literature industry.
“I feel it’s a big breakthrough for me given the fact that Aywa is headquartered in Ghana, a country with rich literary traditions,” said Moyo.
The rookie writer added that his new role was an endorsement of the efforts he is making to promote a reading culture.
“I think it’s about my commitment to the literature fraternity. I have been spearheaded efforts to promote a reading culture in high schools around Bulawayo.”
The Mzilikazi-bred writer is determined to use his new post to develop creative writing among the youths.
“I will be working with young people especially from the marginalised areas who have not had a platform or opportunity to showcase their literary skills. My main role is to encourage youngsters to write books.”
Moyo’s published works are African Sketches (2012) and Sketches From My Soul (2013). He is currently working on his third project that he hopes to release before the end of the year.
Apart from editing an award-winning children’s book called The River God Unyaminyami by Fortune Tazvivinga, Moyo has also worked with United Kingdom based organisations, Eduzine magazine and Student Global Chart.
The young author, who was recently in South Africa for DHL Tomorrow’s Leaders Convention, has also been recognised by the Who is Who Southern Africa as one of the most influential people in the sub-region.