Hajat launches children’s book
Rubina Hajat, who is a teacher by profession, on Friday launched a book titled Chimmy the Chambo has Three Wishes which is a dedication to children in the country.
The launch took place at Jacaranda Cultural Centre (JCC) in Blantyre where it attracted an impressive audience.
Rubina was over the moon with the launch, saying he wrote the book which has also been translated into Chichewa to show that water is life.
“This is the topic that has really been worrying me, and thus, I decided to reach out to children, who have the real potential to make a difference by changing the mindset and way of life that has proved to be so dangerous for the well-being of our planet,” she said.
She added that mining has been going on for centuries in the world and that it has played a significant role in the technological progress that has been achieved to date.
“However, we have a big problem concerning non-sustainable extraction of natural resources at the cost of the environment. All such operations should therefore be managed in a responsible manner that protects the safety of our environment,” Rubina said.
She said the first draft of her story was written in 2016.
“It was inspired by the concerns of citizens of Malawi who were worried about the oil exploration that was said to be done in our beautiful Lake Malawi. This book attempts to show the children of Malawi that we have a treasure to cherish,” Rubina said.
The book tells the story of Chimmy the Chambo, who struggles with life in the lake with his relatives due to threats of overfishing and the damage inspired by human beings to the lake and that the water is no longer fresh but has been contaminated.
“It is a children’s book but parents can also help in reading with their children,” she said.
Rubina said the book can also be accessed on CD through a stage play.
She said she would make sure that the book is accessible to rural areas especially those along the lake.
