Pen Malawi translates 1962 book into Chichewa

Pen Malawi has translated a 1962 book titled Invisible Child into Chichewa.

The book is currently being used in selected primary schools in Blantyre such as Kapeni Demonstration, Naotcha, Kachanga and Nansengwe.

Pen Malawi president Alfred Msadala said in an interview on the sidelines of a media briefing in Blantyre on Monday that the translation of the book is part of a project the association is focusing on this year.

He said: “At Pen we actually celebrate literature and also protect freedom of expression. We still feel that through this activity we are achieving that and that’s what we are doing.”

Msadala said despite the book being authored many years ago, it is still relevant as the theme relates to what is currently happening in the different communities.

Apart from the translated book, Msadala also said the association is set to embark on a second project titled ‘African Story Box’ which will provide books to 12 selected primary schools that do not have libraries.

According to Msadala, the association has selected schools from Thyolo, Chiradzulu and Blantyre districts.

He said the aim is to encourage a reading culture among learners across the country.

However, Msadala said the association has focused on limited primary schools for the two projects due to financial constraints.

United Kingdom (UK)-based Book Aid International has helped the association procure the books.

In a separate interview, one of  Pen  Malawi’s members, Margaret Bandason,said learners will be given an opportunity to understand the dynamics of life through reading.

“The two projects are important because we are giving a chance to young people, especially in primary schools where through reading and understanding the themes, they are able to link what they are experiencing in life as reflected in the books,” she said.

Bandason said the projects are also expected to encourage a reading culture among students, especially in their early stages of life which is important.