Kusoma Book Project Announces Winners
The winners of The Kusoma Book Project, which invited Kenyan storytellers to submit a manuscript for a children’s book that celebrated intellectual, physical and emotional differences, were announced and celebrated at an artist’s reception in Eldoret earlier this year.
The winners are:
Ruth W. Ngiciri, author of The Little Giraffe Who Was Different
Blessings Wanjiku Njorogo, author of The Little Seed
Noella Mudunga Okoth, author of Thamani's Song
The project was coordinated by Megan McHenry, MD, and Indiana University medical student Mary Ann Etling with the goal of positively impacting children’s lives and getting more books for young children into Kenyan homes.
“One of the core principles of AMPATH is collaboration, which was a major theme in this project as talented Kenyan authors, artists, and bookmakers were brought together to make these stories come alive,” said Dr. Etling, now an intern at the University of Minnesota. “Our hope is to increase access to books early in childhood throughout Kenya with stories that celebrate uniqueness and differences in children. We are so proud of these stories and illustrations and those who made them possible.”
Dr. McHenry works with Eren Oyungu, MBChB, MMED, MPH, on several initiatives related to children with neurodevelopmental challenges.
“Advocacy, such as the Kusoma Book Project, complements these care programs by promoting inclusion of individuals with differences, as well as early literacy and positive child-caregiver interactions,” said Dr. McHenry.
First place author Ruth Ngiciri works as an actuary, but her heart finds joy in storytelling. Her skills converge into tales that captivate young minds. Her journey is fueled by insatiable curiosity, turning challenges into stepping stones for growth. She believes in the transformative power of knowledge and she is excited to share a story that celebrates the uniqueness of every child.
Blessings Wanjiku Njoroge is a poet and short story writer whose creative journey is deeply rooted in the everyday wonders of life. Inspired by the simple beauty of flowers blooming in her home, she delves into the intricacies of growth, change, and human connection through her writing. With each poem and story she pens, Blessings invites readers to explore the world through her unique perspective and to find solace and inspiration in the beauty of the ordinary.
Noella Mudunga Okoth is a fifth-year medical student a Moi University School of Medicine from Siaya County. She writes occasionally and was excited to try writing a children's book after encouragement from her friends and classmates. She was familiar with cerebral palsy as the most common cause of childhood disability in Kenya but recognized that many did not know about it. She was excited to create a story to raise awareness for children with disabilities.
The Little Giraffe Who Was Different and The Little Seed were illustrated by artist Gloria Mwange whose artwork on canvas was featured during a gallery exhibition in Eldoret to launch the two books. At the art gallery, community members, students, caregivers, educators, medical professionals, and creatives gathered to see the nearly 30 painted canvases that lined the walls.
The two books were printed locally in Eldoret and available at the event. Dr. McHenry, Dr. Oyungu, Ngiciri, Mwange and Dr. Etling all spoke and shared their passion and involvement in the project. This event served as a celebration of Kenyan art and storytelling, early childhood literacy, and differences and diversity in children, which the stories highlight.
“It was so special to witness one of the writers and the artist meet for the very first time, but already be so connected by the story of a little giraffe who was different that they could now hold and share with the world,” added Dr. Etling.
A donation to the Wezesha Watoto Clinic helps a child with a disability gain access to AMPATH-affiliated care programs at health facilities and in the community. Upon donating, you will be contacted to receive a book or to donate one to a child in Kenya ($30 or more recommended). All donations made support a Neurodevelopmental Center for Excellence under development at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
