I woke up this morning to a wonderful surprise- I’d won first place in the inaugural Baobab Prize, a new contest for African writers of children’s stories. There are two categories for adult writers- junior (age 8-11) and senior (age 12-15). I won first place in the junior category for my story ‘Lorato and her Wire Car’, about a little girl with a little too much pride in her wire car. I also made the shortlist in the senior category with ‘Birthday Wishes’, a story about friendship during the xenophobia in South Africa.
On the website about the prize it says, "The inaugural Baobab Prize has been funded by a grant provided by Bryn Mawr College and by the personal contributions of members of the Baobab Prize administrative team. "
I was also happy to see my friend and honorary Motswana, award-winning children’s writer Jenny Robson, being short-listed in both categories. Congratulations to all of the winners and to the organisers for take time out to care about African writing.
See the complete list below:
WINNERS THE BAOBAB PRIZE 2008
The Baobab Prize for a work of fiction aimed at readers aged 8-11 years : Lauri Kubuitsile, Botswana. Story: Lorato and her Wire Car
Shortlist for Stories for readers aged 8-11 years:
- Good in the World by Marion Drew, South Africa
- The Story of my Life by Fiona Moolla, South Africa
- Abena and the Corn Seed by Vivian Amanor, Ghana
- Live and Let Live by Jenny Robson, South Africa
The Baobab Prize for a work of fiction aimed at readers aged 12-15 years: Ivor Hartman, Zimbabwe. Story: Mr. Goop.
Shortlist for Stories for readers aged 12-15 years:
- Birthday Wishes by Lauri Kubuitsile, Botswana
- This Ubuntu Thing by Jayne Bauling, South Africa
- Courage like a Lion by Jenny Robson, South Africa
- Whips, Tears and Blood by Mercy Adhiambo, Kenya
The Baobab Prize for a rising writer aged 18 years or younger: Aisha Kibwana, Kenya. Story: Strange Visitors that took her life away.
Shortlist for Rising writer Prize:
- Tortoise and the Thief by Michael Anim, Ghana.
13 comments:
Congratulations Lauri!
Same can be said for you Mr Hartman! It appears Southern Africa is becoming a literary hub ready to compete with those East and West Africans.
Whee, huge congratulations!!! What lovely news to wake up to!
congratulations to you. this confirms to me what i have been thinking all along that you are a good writer. way to go. rake in the dough as you go along.
Thanks Tania. I was actually woken up BY it- my writing partner called early this morning and said, "Did you look at your email?"
Fantastic news! Congratulations!!!
That's so cool. You rule, Lauri!!!
Congratulations sugar, and also for getting shortlisted for the senior category. You go girl!
Sue, Selma, and Vic- Thanks so much for your support! It's wonderful how writers support each other, lovely really. Thanks. la
Hi, can i take you out tonight to celebrate?
So so proud, girl!! Wish you were here so I could offer you a drinkie...but will raise a glass thinking of you and big hug!
Congratulations, Lauri! Not only did you win, but I noticed you were also short-listed for the other catagory as well.
Good for you!
word verification: volbile. Um, ick?
Nadiya- So lovely to see you this side my dear! Thanks for the kudos. I have a certain feeling that we will meet in flesh and blood and then we will definitely have that drink. There is this odd coming together of the One World group, have you noticed?
Hi Karen-Yes, volbile does not sound like a word used in polite conversation.
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