Charity Waciuma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charity Waciuma
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
Charity Wanjiku Waciuma
1936 (age 88–89) |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Occupation | Writer |
|
Notable work
|
Daughter of Mumbi (1969) |
Charity Waciuma, born in 1936, is a famous writer from Kenya. She wrote many books, especially for young people. Her stories often use old Kikuyu legends and ways of telling tales. In the 1960s, Charity Waciuma and Grace Ogot were among the first Kenyan women writers. They had their books published in English.
About Charity Waciuma
Her Early Life
Charity Wanjiku Waciuma grew up in Kenya before it became independent. This was a time of big changes and struggles. There was a fight for freedom between the Mau-Mau and the British rulers.
Her name, Wanjiku, comes from a Kikuyu tradition. It was her father's younger sister's name. Her last name, Waciuma, means "beads." This was a nickname for her grandmother's father. He had many goats, like beads in a necklace.
A Pioneer in Writing
Charity Waciuma became one of Kenya's first writers for children. Her first book, Mweru, the Ostrich Girl, came out in 1966. After that, she wrote more books for young adults. These included The Golden Feather and Merry Making. She also wrote Who's Calling?.
Her book Daughter of Mumbi was published in 1969. This book tells her own story. It shows how a young Kikuyu girl felt during the time of colonial rule. It also describes the events of the Mau Mau Emergency. This book is dedicated to her father. He was killed during the Mau Mau Emergency.
Her Impact as a Writer
Charity Waciuma's books were published before Kenya gained its independence. Her work helped to share Kenyan stories with the world. She is also included in a special book called Daughters of Africa. This collection of writings was put together by Margaret Busby in 1992.
Her Books
- Mweru, the Ostrich Girl (Published in Nairobi: East African Publishing House, 1966)
- The Golden Feather (Published in Nairobi: East African Publishing House, 1966)
- Daughter of Mumbi (Published in Nairobi: Jacques Compton, 1969)
- Merry-Making (Published in Nairobi: East African Publishing House, 1972)
- Who's Calling? (Published in Nairobi: East African Publishing House, 1973)
