In Goma, DR Congo, a collective effort led by Mlimani publishing house aims to promote reading among youth by providing affordable, locally relevant literature. Despite the region’s economic challenges and a prevalent perception that reading is a luxury, initiatives are underway to engage young people and encourage them to appreciate the nuances of their cultural history through accessible books.
In Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) beset by conflict, efforts are underway to nurture a reading culture among the youth. Martin Lukongo operates a print shop that produces books locally, aiming to eliminate the common perception that reading is an indulgence rather than a necessity. In a country ranked among the poorest globally, where many young people regard books as expensive luxuries with prices often exceeding their daily earnings, a collective of artists and activists is striving to make literature accessible and relevant to Congolese culture.
Lukongo manages to print around sixty copies daily despite ongoing challenges, such as power outages and limited access to quality materials. The Mlimani publishing house, founded by Depaul Bakulu and colleagues, offers local books at more affordable prices compared to the typically overpriced imported literature. With a catalog that has grown to include works from notable figures such as Denis Mukwege and Frantz Fanon, Mlimani focuses on narratives that resonate with the experiences of young Congolese individuals.
The collective emphasizes overcoming barriers to access and supply, viewing the dearth of reading materials as a dire issue for society’s youth. Mlimani employs strategies such as school visits and reading workshops to foster engagement with literature, which has witnessed participation from many eager young minds in Goma. Discussions centered around locally relevant topics aim to cultivate a sense of community and historical awareness, counteracting predominantly European narratives taught in educational institutions.
The emergence of Mlimani has inspired other local publishers, encouraging young readers as well as aspiring writers. Lukongo remarks on the importance of keeping the publishing process within the DRC, asserting that local authors need not seek foreign avenues to reach their audience.
The article sheds light on the ongoing initiatives in Goma, DR Congo, aimed at rekindling a passion for reading among the youth. This region, historically plagued by conflict, has not been known for its literary contributions. The socioeconomic landscape, characterized by widespread poverty, often places books out of reach for many young individuals. The establishment of Mlimani publishing house marks a significant step in localizing literature and making it more accessible to the populace. By focusing on the unique culture and experiences of young Congolese, Mlimani seeks to inspire a new generation of readers and writers, challenging the notion that education and literary appreciation are luxuries.
In conclusion, the initiatives undertaken by Mlimani publishing house in Goma represent a pivotal effort to foster a reading culture among the youth of the Democratic Republic of Congo. By addressing economic barriers and promoting locally relevant literature, the collective aspires to enhance intellectual engagement and revive a sense of cultural identity among young Congolese. This movement holds promise not only for increasing book accessibility but also for nurturing a new generation of authors and thinkers who recognize the value of their heritage.
Original Source: www.france24.com
