Clive Thabo Dube and John Ndlovu
A twelve-year-old Harare based author has launched his debut novel at REPS Theatre in the capital.
According to the twelve year old, the 700 paged book is titled “Strive to do more”,which is a motivational body of works.
“I noticed that many of us are just living to have enough, but I wanted to make it known that there’s more to life than “enough” and you can strive to do more to benefit yourself and others,” said Donga.
Donga also revealed that he ventured into writing as he used to express his thoughts, feelings,ideas and opinions.
“I started writing because personally, it is a way for me to express my feelings, thoughts, opinions and ideas without actually communicating verbally. Writing helps me clear my thoughts and get things off my mind. I normally get energized when l write because for an example with motivational books, I know that in the future my writings would be energizing and inspiring someone somewhere.”He added
Ashford Donga,the father to the Author expressed his happiness as he told this reporter that he was proud of his son’s vision of turning an idea into a concept at his age something which is indeed exceptional considering what people at his age are doing.
“We as parents, we are very proud of the young man and what he has achieved. He took an idea, turned it into a concept, persisted in developing it over a period of months until it was a complete product which we can all be proud of. We feel that this achievement bodes well for his future as he can only climb to higher heights from where he has reached with this project and we look forward to being part of that journey.” Ashford Donga, the author’s father said.
Donga’s father also told this publication that they are giving enough support to the young lad through availing a suitable environment for him to finish his projects and also helping him to balance his time and attention to writing and school.
“We support him by making sure he has the environment that allows him to start and finish his projects as well as assisting him to balance his time and effort between all the things that demand his attention as a 12 year old young man whilst allowing him the space to be creative and express himself.” Donga, the young boy’s father added.
The young writer told Zim GBC News that he began writing at an early age of nine(9 years). As he stated that he used to write stories and stick them on his bedroom wall with time his parents after identifying potential, encouraged him to venture into writing books.
“I used to write comic books from as early as 9 years. I would write stories and stick on my bedroom wall. One day my parents suggested that I should consider writing a book. In 2022, they bought me a small notebook with Jeremiah 29:11 written ‘For I know the plans for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ That’s when I decided I will to use this notebook for my book.”Quinton added.
The young writer also thanked his parents who have been loving and offered great support to his writing journey.
“I am very grateful and blessed to have a very loving and robust support system from my family. They have helped and encouraged me to believe in myself and never to give up even in moments of doubt.”The young boy added.