BIHL Life Stories Workshop to nurture future storytellers
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Sunday June 23, 2024 10:18
The initiative, which is undertaken in partnership with Petlo Literary Arts, and hosted by the Botswana Open University underscores BIHL Group’s commitment to advancing literacy and education across the nation. The BIHL Group sponsored the workshop to the tune of P180, 650. The goal of the project is to contribute to Botswana’s national literature by chronicling the lives of Batswana and developing an anthology of memoirs. Different speakers at the launch said this project will not only build communities but also educate Batswana about their history through story-telling while improving livelihoods. “We are truly excited about this initiative, and it will allow Batswana to tell their stories. These stories are invaluable and deserve to be told before they are lost to time. By empowering talented writers through this workshop, we ensure that the rich tapestry of our nation’s history is preserved and shared with future generations. This project is about capturing the essence of our identity, struggles, triumphs, and dreams. By telling our stories, we strengthen the fabric of our society and improve the livelihoods of all Batswana,” said BIHL Group Head of PR, Communications and Marketing, Tebogo Keepetsoe.
She said for the BIHL Group, the BIHL Life Stories Workshop is a continuation of their efforts in promoting arts and culture, as well as unearthing and nurturing the creative talents within the communities they operate in. Barolong Seboni of Petlo Literary Arts said the event is a momentous occasion for writers to reclaim their power. Seboni said by sharing their stories in their own words, they assert their agency, resilience and right to be heard. “These stories are not just personal; they are the collective tapestry that weaves the fabric of our nation. This initiative indeed came at the right time and it is an opportunity for writers from different backgrounds to take heed of,” Seboni said. Giving the keynote address, Dr Enole Ditsheko encouraged participants to use the platform as a stepping stone to capture Botswana’s history. “Our heroes and heroines are unsung because as writers we have not raised our hands to be counted. Our villages, cities and communities have no documented histories because we have not paid attention to the need to produce books,” he said.
“The BIHL Group must receive our unreserved gratitude and thank you for creating a platform like this one. Through this channel, we can identify men and women - the elderly and others in their prime - who have left a footprint on our soil to tell their stories,” he added. The workshop gives participants the opportunity to engage in sessions designed to enhance their writing skills, teach the art of storytelling, and guide them in crafting compelling memoirs. The workshop is led by some of the finest literary minds, including Wame Molefhe, Seboni, Tiro Sebina, Dr Jeff Ramsay, Cheryl Ntumy, Batshani Ndaba and many others. These sessions aim to inspire, challenge, and develop the participants’ writing abilities.