Dancing Pencils Writing Clubs run by trained right brain mentors, give young people an opportunity to test their ideas in a safe environment.
The right brain taps into the entire universe – past, present and future – and also unearths trauma and secrets within a person. This process is therapeutic and presents aspirant writers with great material for stories.
On the 15 November 2015, three Dancing Pencils Writing Clubs attended a workshop run by Felicity Keats on right brain novel writing.
Felicity explains that she would like to see more novels coming from rural writing clubs whose writers have already been published in an anthology.
A small audience was present to listen to the writers read from their latest anthologies and to enjoy performances by the clubs. Khulabebekhu from Umbumbulu had a wonderful Praise Poet, and Newlands East High had great isiZulu dancers. Here are some pictures taken that day.
Performances by clubs
The training was sponsored by Isibani Septhemba, an NGO in the area supporting AIDS orphans and assisting with health and education.
]]>
]]>
I am writing this message with absolute joy, witnessing the fruits of your labour, in Nqobile’s published article, which is in her attached website (www.rawe.co.za).
Nqobile and her friends have established an architectural company (see “www.rawe.co.za). But not only that she has written an article which you will find in the website.
As I read it I thought, “where did my daughter get this skill’? Immediately all your Saturday classes many years ago, which Nqobile and Lwazi attended, came to mind. Thank you Felicity. May you be eternally blessed for giving my daughters and thousands of others a life long skill that keep on allowing children to make and leave a mark wherever they go.
]]>
Six umSinsi authors and umSinsi Press hosted a book launch in Hall 1 at the SABC Head Office on Saturday 13th December 2014. Each of the authors invited approximately 10 guests, making in total an audience of 75 people. The function was opened by Mr Musa Mbili, HOD Correctional Services Men’s Medium B Prison at Westville. This was fitting as two of the authors were ex-offenders, with novels to launch, one in isiZulu, the other in English.
The spread of genre of books that were launched was wide. There were two anthologies for Early Childhood Development, one anthology of poetry, a play in isiZulu, a motivational book and the two novels.
An interested audience listened to each author presenting him or herself. There were two mini playlets demonstrating the content of part of the books. The launch was topped with a delicious breyani supper provided by Mrs Gori. Thanks to all concerned who helped make this a great success!
]]>
]]>
New Beginnings is an Early Childhood Development is an academy for training of practitioners that has been in existence for 23 years. Patsy Pillay, their Director, was proud to launch their very first anthology of stories for practitioners to read to small children. This took place on Saturday 13th at the SABC Hall 1 in Durban.
In her talk, Patsy told the audience there are 20 000 creches or pre-primaries in South Africa, most of whom have no books with stories for small children. “Our Stories for Young Children” which is the title of their anthology, has been beautifully illustrated in colour by Gill Nicholson. The stories follow a theme of Social Justice, and through the stories, small children can learn about other cultures, about kindness, helpfulness, gender equality and understand positive values.
Patsy brought on stage a team of three student teachers to bring to life three of the stories. Patsy’s favourite is called “Our Hero, Tata Mandela” which helps children to understand, in simple language, how our democracy was formed.
Patsy would like to find sponsorship for a big run of the books so that she can GIVE every crèche a copy of this book.
]]>
This highly inspirational novel is about a small boy whose father deserts them. The mother, a domestic worker, has to care for her three children on her very small wages. But the hero grows up to become a soccer champion and a teacher. He meets a young lady with whom he falls in love. She becomes a student at his school but because of his success in life in many fields, jealousy causes him a great deal of trouble.
He wins through it and even gets to meet with his aging father but tragedy strikes. This is a novel that in interesting from beginning to end.
]]>
Thembinkosi R. Ngcobo launched his novel written in isiZulu. It is entitled Ngingo KaMdali. Translated, this means “I belong to God,” and it concerns factions that are fighting with each other.
There is one person, however, who is not overcome by all the bad things that happen. He wins his way to success.
In the photograph, Thembinkosi (in the red shirt) invited his colleague Philani Nzuza to translate into English the plot of the story as he told it to the audience in isiZulu.
]]>