As a way to encourage reading and to make it fun, a local teacher has written a book titled, Joyful Stories.
Vuyisile Nonsikelelo Mahlobo, a foundation phase teacher, said she chose this title because reading brings joy to the readers. She said she wants to reach out to children from grades R to five.

“This book has short stories for kids. The stories teach them how to be responsible, how to say please, pardon and sorry. It teaches children to be kind and polite as they grow older. It also shows them how to be creative and that they must share with others,” she said.

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Mahlobo started to take her writing skills seriously in 2020.

“I have always had a passion for writing, but I never thought it’s something I can do, but one day I took a pen and a diary I wrote about five short stories. It all came naturally to me.
“I told someone about it and they encouraged me to start writing. As a foundation phase teacher, reading must become a habit in the classroom,” Mahlobo said.

This 22-year-old writer hopes her book will make an impact on children who are learning to read and write.

“One of my achievements is to see more kids enjoying to read with understanding. I would also want to my book to be read worldwide.”

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She said the public should expect more children’s books, especially ones written in Siwati and siNdebele. “I would love to write more books and tell more stories. I wish there could be more young readers,” said Mahlobo.