Sometimes old memories come flooding back into one’s mind with nostalgic effect. One day my brain felt like a giant elephant as I hummed old songs and rhymes that dated as far back as my days in nursery school. My native country Tanzania was intensively on my mind. I felt I had to share these memories or else they will go to waste when I am no more. It was time to show my gratitude to all my teachers who made my school days a joy to remember and also to share the gift of memory with all the children in this universe.

This book consists of nursery rhymes, songs and 20 Swahili folk tales translated into English. The stories were written and submitted by school children from Manundu Primary School in my hometown Korogwe, Tanzania. In Tanzania, oral lore is a common tradition of transmitting stories from one generation to another. I did not wish to see this knowledge get lost but get preserved in a form of written book. The nursery rhymes, songs and animal facts were contributed by me. These were inspired by memories from my school time experiences and also a wish to instill children with an appreciation for the wild animals, especially those belonging to the List of Threatened Animals.

For every child who wishes to explore their wild and fun side, just flick through the pages and get acquainted with the Swahili folklore and Tanzanian wildlife. Tanzania warmly welcomes you. “Karibu sana!”

This novelette is about being able to smile at our adult selves, when one becomes acquainted with diverse ways of life and a multitude of acts that may seem not a norm to ones eyes. Welcome to the world of different cultures, where one soul, named Tausi (Swahili word for a Peacock) was exposed to varied cultural practices, both in her homeland in Africa and equally when she travelled abroad to the western world. These exposures made her to question what was right or wrong, blossoming her to an enlightened and colourfully plumaged bird.

Independent Bonn International School (IBIS)

On Friday, 23 April 2010 was an exciting afternoon for me. During a lunch break I was able to join a “Mystery Reader” programme at the Independent Bonn International School (IBIS). The aim of this activity is to help instil the love for reading in children. I was to visit year four class (8-9 years old).

It was going to be my first children reading. I waited outside the door as Ms. Brady read out to the class five clues about me. Then I was invited to join the class. A lovely bunch of children with roots from all corners in the world, eagerly awaiting a story to be read, sat crossed legged on pillows, forming a beautiful angelic scene.

The story I chose would one day be part of a children stories book I intend to publish.

Throughout this day I felt blessed for having had an opportunity to see literary world in those children eyes!

A heartfelt gratitude towards everyone who contributed towards Manundu Primary School either by buying a book or cash donation during the recently held African Safari Party.

An amount of 500Euros was collected and has been handed to the school in July 2009. This was a first attempt to support this school and hoping for more in the future.

If you wish to assist further, (school stationery, volunteer to teach or other skills, school furniture, cash, etc) please feel free to contact me at info@gloria-gonsalves.com or the Assistant Headteacher as following:

Mr. Raphael MMAKA,
Manundu Practising Primary School,
P.O. Box 183,
Korogwe, Tanga
Tanzania
Mobile: +255 71 797 9907
Email: zebadiahmaanga@yahoo.com

Giving is a gift one should feel obliged to exercise in order to give a chance of better education to a child. Remember a giving heart has no price!

Thank you.

If you are untamed and wild, get ready for some ROARING fun to celebrate the launching of her 3 poetry books:

1. Emotional Turmoil
2. “Mahaba” Prints In My Heart
3. Diamonds Forever (children poetry)

In addition to showing your wild animal skills prepare your wallets for a sale of silk paintings and handmade cards featuring African animals. Part of the received money will go towards Manundu Practising Primary School (Shule ya Mazoezi Manundu) in Korogwe, Tanzania.

When: Saturday, 9 May 2009, from 19.30 to 3.00

Where: Stadthalle Bad Godesberg, Koblenzer Straße 80, 53177 Bonn-Bad Godesberg

Room: Kleiner Saal

Dress code: Safari outfits (khaki), safari animal prints and costumes (headband, tail, scarf, etc.) and safari animal body painting.

Entrance Fee: 10Euros (food included)


Your RSVP: Not later than Friday, 1 May 2009, email info@gloria-gonsalves.com or tel. +49 (0)228 3041 4777