Rebecca Nandwa facts for kids

Rebecca Nandwa is a famous writer from Kenya. She is well-known for her amazing children's books. Most of her books are written in Swahili, a language spoken in East Africa. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a journalist and an editor. She also used to be a teacher!

Rebecca Nandwa's Early Life and Career

Rebecca Nandwa grew up in Kenya. She went to primary school in Western Kenya. Later, she attended secondary school in Limuru. After that, she studied at Kenyatta University. She earned a degree called a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.).

Her first job as a teacher was in 1988. She taught at Emusire High School. Soon, she decided to move to Nairobi. This move helped her be closer to book publishers. She wanted to be where books were made!

Why Rebecca Writes for Kids

Rebecca Nandwa loves writing stories for children. She especially enjoys writing in Swahili. Through her books, she hopes to help keep traditional Kenyan culture alive. She also wants to support the Swahili language.

Stories with Important Messages

Rebecca is inspired to write about important topics. She calls these "social issues." Her stories often teach valuable lessons. For example, her first book was Chura Mcheza Ngoma. This story teaches kids about trusting their friends. Another book, Kiki and the Piggy Bank, is all about saving money.

Helping Other Writers and Culture

Rebecca is a founding member of a group called Angaza Writers. This group works to promote good values. They use writing to encourage honesty and good citizenship.

She is also part of the National Culture and Creative Writers Association of Kenya. This group is like a "think tank." They work to promote local heritage and culture. They do this through writing and sharing ideas.

Awards and Recognition

Rebecca Nandwa has won important awards for her writing. In 2013, she won the Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature. This was for her Swahili children's book called Nimefufuka. She was also nominated for the same award in 2015.

Her Many Books

Rebecca has written more than 35 books! These books have been published by many different companies. She has even written a few books in English.

Her books are highly recommended in Kenya. The Kenyan Institute of Curriculum Development suggests them. They are used in schools and other learning places.

International Recognition

One of her books, Chura Mcheza Ngoma, has been shown in an online exhibition. This exhibition was by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY).

Some of Rebecca's books are also part of the Worldreader program. This program provides digital books to children. Her book Pole Mzee Bonga was even one of their "top books" for East Africa in 2014.