Charity Waciuma facts for kids

Charity Waciuma (born 1936) is a famous writer from Kenya. She wrote many books, especially for young people like you! One of her most well-known books is Daughter of Mumbi, which tells her own life story.

Charity Waciuma's stories often use ideas from the old tales and traditions of the Kikuyu people. She was one of the first Kenyan women, along with Grace Ogot, to have her books published in English back in the 1960s.

Charity Waciuma's Early Life

Charity Wanjiku Waciuma grew up in Kenya a long time ago. This was before Kenya became an independent country. During her childhood, there was a big struggle for freedom. The Mau-Mau people fought against the British rulers.

According to Kikuyu traditions, Charity was given the name Wanjiku. This 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!

Becoming a Writer

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, Merry Making, and Who's Calling?.

Her book Daughter of Mumbi was published in 1969. This book tells her own story. It shares how a young Kikuyu girl felt during the difficult time of colonial rule. It also describes the events of the Mau Mau Emergency. Charity dedicated this book to her father. He was sadly killed during the Mau Mau Emergency.

Charity Waciuma's work is important. She is included in a book called Daughters of Africa. This collection of writings was put together by Margaret Busby in 1992.

Charity Waciuma's Books

Here are some of the books Charity Waciuma wrote:

• Mweru, the Ostrich Girl (1966)
• The Golden Feather (1966)
• Daughter of Mumbi (1969)
• Merry-Making (1972)
• Who's Calling? (1973)