This article was first published in Toto Magazine on December 14, 2022
By Lawrence Mulondo
November, 2022 will be a month to remember for ten-year-old Manuela Erivania Janet Ikonyu after the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) included her book on the curriculum.
Ikonyu, a Primary Four pupil at Entebbe Education Centre, started writing and drawing illustrations for her book during the COVID-19 lockdown. Her book is titled: The Everlasting Adventures.
The young author says since childhood, she loved reading and drawing illustrations of the books she read. She also wished to write a book of her own.
What inspired you to write?
My love for adventure and fiction books inspired me to write The Everlasting Adventure.
Why did you write the book?
I wanted to inspire children to be productive instead of spending most of their time watching television. This does not mean that everybody should write, but they can do other productive things.
What is your book about?
The book is about adventures. It also teaches good morals and why it is important for people to always help one another.
Advice to children
Always find something to do during the weekends and holidays to develop your talent. I encourage people to read and break the saying that: If you want to hide information from Africans, you put it in writing.
Future dreams
I want to be a doctor like the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Acheng. I want to help people who are sick.
Last remarks
I thank my teachers for the knowledge they give me. I also thank my parents for supporting me, especially, financing my book so that it would get published.
Ikonyu’s Book Approved
Recently, the young writer was at the NCDC Kyambogo at the invitation of the Executive Director, Dr. Grace Baguma. Ikonyu, who was accompanied by her father and mother Paul Owera and Claire Tino, received a certificate of approval for her book from Dr. Baguma. Baguma said if the country is to promote reading and writing skills, they have to be natured right from childhood “We are proud to see young creators coming up. We shall support them,” she said. “We evaluated the book and we were impressed with the information in it so we recommend it as a reader for all children not only at school, but also at home,” she said. She encouraged teachers to ensure that children learn in a manner that is meaningful as they put into practice what they learn instead of just reading to pass an examinations.
What Parents Say
Ikonyu’s mother Claire Tino
I thank Ikonyu’s teachers for reconising and nurturing our daughter’s writing skill to the point that the Government recognises her book. I thank the Government for offering technical support to ensure that the writers become professional. I encourage parents to support their children to grow their talents because many are destined to succeed using them.
Paul Owera, Ikonyu’s father
I hope our daughter’s work inspires more children to develop their talents.
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