During the September literacy month, British Council worked with Huza Press to launch two books. The British Council offered the book launch event as part of the literacy month activities under Rwanda Reads. The event aimed at encouraging young writers to be more creative and to share with them better ways in which they can disseminate their work. Another reason was to enjoy together the launch of two interesting books from the African continent, written by well-known African writers, and showcasing African culture and the authors’ writing talents.

The British Council held the launch at Café Neo, Kiyovu on 9 September 2016. The two books were ‘All the good things around us’  an anthology of African short stories edited by Ivor Agyeman-Duah,  and ‘The Ghosts of 1894’ by Oduor Jagero.  Initially, the two presenters, Ivor and Odour, gave short summaries of their books with the facilitation of Louise Umutoni from Huza Press. They   shared their personal experiences as African writers, which spurred the audiences’ interest in asking more questions.

The audience was pleased with the event and suggested that more similar events should be held on a regular basis to help young local writers learn better and new writing skills. In addition, such events would help in strengthening the network of writers, poets, publishers and illustrators. The British Council in Rwanda will be organising a series of Creative Hustles in 2017, one of which will focus on creative writing and the promotion of a love of literature – both composition, as well as reading more literature.