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Basotho Authors Promoting SDGs Through Literacy
In 2023, Educational Business Services published 15 children’s books, written by talented Basotho authors and based on Lesotho’s culture and practices. Suitable for children between the ages of 6 and 10, these stories align with and introduce children to the values of Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
Through the English Story books, authors don’t only encourage young readers to appreciate their culture, but also address real-life challenges and values that shape children’s growth and understanding of the world around them. Themes covered in the books also promote quality education, good health, social harmony, environmental care and life long learning.
Children Books Written and Published in Lesotho
Chaba Visits the Grazeland
Author: Ntharetso ‘Musi
Chaba’s story depicts the typical life of Basotho herdboys: how they dress when they take cattle and goats to the grazeland; the games they play; the food they eat and how they care for their herds and flocks.
Chaba’s uncle was impressed that his niece, who was not even used to the life of a herdboy, showed such enthusiasm and skills. He can ride on horseback; he can count and play the herdboys’ games; he can even drive the cattle into the cattle pen on his own.
New Friends
Author: Rapelang Mosae
It is Nthabiseng’s first day at school. She comes from school feeling sad because she has no friends. She tells her mother that no one wants to play with her and that she is lonely.
When Nthabiseng’s cousin, Khotso, comes to stay with them, everything changes for the better. Khotso goes to the same school as Nthabiseng and he has good social skills. Khotso helps Nthabiseng make new friends and school is suddenly interesting for her.
Ranko Likes Sleeping
Author: Malerato Ramone
Ranko learned the hard way that sleeping all the time and being lazy is bad. All in one day, he had to deal with being teased for being late for school and for coming to school looking dirty because he had no time to take a bath.
Let us not forget that his room was a mess and while trying to tidy up after school, a snake slithered out of his bed. Kids have to know that cleanliness is important.
Mpeoane and Her Cousin Take a Visit to Mpharane
Author: Masentle Mosae
It is common practice in Lesotho for grandchildren to visit their grandmothers when schools close. This is normally done to ensure that family attachments remain solid and that children learn about good conduct from their elders. In this story, Mpeoane and her cousin also visit their grandmother in Mpharane village.
The story explores their journey to the village, their welcome, and their experiences when they are in the village. It ends with their journey back home, narrating their mixed emotions as they bid their grandmother goodbye.
Mpho's School
Author: Halieo Motanyane
Mpho’s school is a story about the challenges of bullying that learners face at school from a very young age. Mpho’s mother is a dedicated parent, she does everything from helping Mpho prepare herself to get to school in time; looking clean and healthy.
Like a supportive parent that she is, she is able to pick up instantly that there is a problem when, one day, Mpho seems reluctant to go to school.
Mpho, as is the case with many victims of bullying, does not open up to her mother. Neither does she say anything to her teacher or any adult about her situation.
Mpho is a brilliant girl, she works very hard at school. She is especially good in Maths, a subject that other learners are struggling with. Amid being teased, harassed, and laughed at, Mpho decides to help other learners with Maths and they all do well. They all make Teacher Monare very proud.
Auntie's Cat
Author: Ntharetso ‘Musi
This is a story about an amazing friendship that Pule has forged with his auntie’s cat. Whenever he visited Aunt Limpho, he always looked forward to playing with the cat. Cats sometimes grab food, especially meat, when children are not sitting at the table or not careful during dinner.
Pule had a sad episode with Kitsi! He wanted Kitsi to stay outside. However, Aunt Limpho explained that cats are wonderful and helpful because they chase mice that destroy our books and clothes. They should stay in the house – loved and cared for.