My Mind Words Paper [Search results for kenya literature] 

Deadline: 28 September 2012 (12nn)

The National Book Development Council of Kenya (NBDCK) in partnership with the Canadian Organization for Development through Education (CODE) and with the generous support of a Canadian patron, Mr. Bill Burt, have the pleasure to invite Kenyan-based and duly registered publishers to submit engaging story-based manuscripts for the youth (12 – 15 years old) to be considered for the 2013 Burt Award for African Literature.

OBJECTIVES OF THE AWARD:

• To support and motivate the development of supplementary reading materials in both primary and secondary schools.
• To stimulate and support the Kenyan publishing industry and contribute to the literary wealth of Kenyan literature.
• To recognize excellence in literature for youth.
• To publish stories which strengthen the English language skills of the youth and help foster enthusiasm and a love for reading.
• To increase the stock of English reading materials in school and community libraries.

1. Eligible entries must be in manuscript form, and submitted by publishers only.

2. The quality of content shall be the overriding criterion. The story should:

• Be written in English.
• Be between 30,000 to 40,000 words (approximately 90 to 120 pages).
• Be prose fiction in chapter form, containing content and language appropriate for ages 12-15 years old.
• Demonstrate a solid command of English through a clear cohesive language and proper sentence structure, vocabulary and punctuation.
• Be thought-provoking and original with an excellent story telling style e.g. strong imagery, lively dialogue, and vivid description to arouse young readers’ interest and curiosity and keep them turning pages.
• Have a strong literary merit including: (i) Engaging characters with whom young readers can identify A well-developed plot with a good flow of events, and (ii) The effective use of literary devices.
• Reflect current issues and challenges of concern to contemporary Kenya.

4. Six non-returnable, spiral-bound copies of the submitted title(s), accompanied by an entry form and entry fee must be delivered to the undersigned not later than 12.00 noon, Friday 28th September 2012. A summary of the work and reasons for its suitability must be submitted together with the entry form (download the entry form from the NBDCK website).

5. The submission cost is Kshs. 10,000 per title. Payment should be through a banker’s cheque payable to National Book Devt Council of Kenya.

6. The decision of the Burt Award for African Literature jury will be final. Only publishers with shortlisted titles will be notified.

MODALITY OF SUBMISSION: Electronic format, accompanied by six (6) spiral-bound hard copies of each submitted title. Strong contenders only. The soft copies should be sent to info@nationalbookcouncilkenya.org, while the hard copies should be delivered at the NBDCK offices, Suite No.3, Pittaway Building, Ralph Bunche Road (off Ngong Road, next to Prof. Nelson Awori Building).

THE AWARDS:

• 1st Prize - CAD$ 9,000
• 2nd Prize - CAD$ 7,000
• 3rd Prize - CAD$ 5,000

Download: entry form

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For inquiries: info@nationalbookcouncilkenya.org

For submissions: The National Book Development Council of Kenya, P.O. Box 10904 - 00100, NAIROBI, KENYA

Website: www.nationalbookcouncilkenya.org

Dates: see schedule below

The Research institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa (RISSEA) was borne out a felt need and desire to coordinate Swahili scholarship. Currently there is no Institution in Kenya and the Region that has assumed such a mandate even though great strides have been made by public universities and other institutions in the development of Kiswahili.

With the spread and development of Kiswahili as the lingua franca of the region, the institute will be the reference point for governments, schools and institutions of higher learning. In kenya for example there are moves to entrench Kiswahili to be the second official language in addition to English in the new constitutional dispensation (bilingualism).

INTENSIVE SWAHILI STUDIES

An intensive 2-10 week Swahili studies school for international and regional students. Short courses on related themes including regular workshops on Swahili studies and language. In- house training workshops tailored to the needs of individual organizations and individuals interested in Swahili studies.

MODULE OFFERED

1. Swahili Literature and Performance

Contemporary Swahili novel and play: In-depth analysis of the two genre of Literature that is play and novel in terms of-The plot, characters, themes and language used.

• Short story in Kiswahili literature.
• Swahili poetry.
• Classical Swahili poetry and contemporary Swahili poetry.
• Types of Swahili poetry.
• How to write Swahili poetry
• Language use in Swahili poetry.
• Swahili epic
• Oral Literature
• Swahili songs, dances and music

• The study of the origins and history of the Swahili
• Swahili economy and international relations
• Spread and development of Kiswahili in East Africa and the Diaspora.
• Dialects of Kiswahili.
• Swahili and her neighbors

• Economic activities of the Swahili eg. Fishing, farming, weaving, dhow making, stone house building, wood carving etc.
• The Swahili way of life, (birth, marriage and death )
• Art, dressing, adornments, and other forms of creativity and personal beauty.
• Religion Beliefs and forms of worship.
• Swahili songs and dances.

Teaching will be conducted on Swahili grammar and phonetics depending on one’s level of proficiency in Swahili. An entry examination will be conducted to determine the student’s level of proficiency in Swahili.

APART FROM THE FOUR MODULES, THE INSTITUTE WILL ALSO OFFER WHERE APPROPRIATE:

• Trips/ excursions will be arranged: while in Lamu a visit to Matondoni village and Takwa ruins, while in Mombasa will visit Fort Jesus Museums, Mnarani, Jumba and Gede ruins.
• Resource persons: will be invited to talk to students/ researchers on different Swahili cultural topics.
• Panel discussions male and female panel discussion will be organized where students /researchers will get the opportunity to ask questions /inquire on any issue that they would like to know or clarified about the Swahili. Hence there will be interactions between the students/ researchers and selected members of the Swahili community that constitutes the panel.

• 28 May to Friday 15 June, 4 weeks - $350 (language module), $1,000 (4 modules)
• 18 June to Friday July, 4 weeks - $350 (language module), $1,000 (4 modules)
• 9 July to Friday 3 August, 4 weeks - $350 (language module), $1,000 (4 modules)
• 6 August to Friday 31 August, 4 weeks - $350 (language module), $1,000 (4 modules)
• 3 Sept to Friday 28 Sept, 4 weeks - $350 (language module), $1,000 (4 modules)
• 1 October to Friday 26 October, 4 weeks - $350 (language module), $1,000 (4 modules)
• 29 October to Friday 23 Nov, 4 weeks - $350 (language module), $1,000 (4 modules)
• 26th Nov to Friday 14 Dec, 3 weeks - $265 (language module), $750 (4 modules)

Via: nairobinow

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For inquiries: contact Munira Mohammed at 0722611533 or munira@museums.or.ke

Website: http://rissea.org

Date: 11 August 2011

International PEN Kenya Chapter will host a poetry reading at the Kenya National Theatre, Wasanii Restaurant, on Thursday, August, 11, 2011 from 5:00pm. Entry is free. Readings will be interspersed with storytelling and discussions. Join us together with novelists Onduko bw’Atebe, Moraa Gitaa, and a host of poets and writers as we enjoy Kenyan and Sudanese poetry and learn literary trends.

Eudiah Kamonjo, an emergent poet, and one of the most popular poets who frequented poetry nights earlier on will be joining the PEN brigade at KNT. Ever since she was poached from the poetry academy and an editorial job dangled at her to work with the regional children’s magazine, Bingwa, she became rare. But we know she is talented and equally deep.

Jacob Oketch, freelance journalist and multi-talented artist, met Ayi Kwei Amah and Wole Soyinka in Nairobi. What impression did Ayi Kwei Amah inscribe on his memory? Jacob is vivid! And Wole Soyinka, what did he make of his poetry reading? What was it like working at the Italian Institute and doing poetry events?

Tony Mochama came to us as a grand vizier, a spokesperson for contemporary Kenyan writers. He almost singlehandedly stood as a counterpoise to Prof Egara Kabaji. With limited newspaper space assigned to literature production, has Tony been muzzled? Barrack Muluka, wrote eloquently and admirably when he hosted the Literary Forum in a local newspaper, but whom did he write for?

Via: kenyanpoet.blogspot.com

Date: 18 February 2012

POWO has moved to a new space located on Statehouse Road. PAWA254 is a newly opened collaborative space for Creatives and youth to achieve work of social impact.

We start off this year with a Writing Workshop facilitated by some well known writers and Reviewers.

About the Facilitators

Tony Mochama (Smitta): This gentleman is a literary gangster with three books 'Princess Adhis & the Naijja Coca Brodas' ( March, 2012), 'Facing Mr. Kenyatta' (June 1, 2012) and 'The Last Night Runner' ( November, 2012) coming out this year.' Tony has also writing 2 books, What if I am a literary Gangster - a collection of poems and The Road to Eldoret

Jackson Biko (Bikozulu): Freelance lifestyle writer with columns in True Love (Last Word) and Saturday Nation (Man Talk). He also dabbles in blogging, travel writing, profile writing, corporate newsletter editing and has currently taken up ghost writing for an autobiography of a prominent businesswoman in Nairobi. Described in a thumbnail; a literary whore and a gonzo journalist.

Dr. Tom Odhiambo: Literature Lecturer - University of Nairobi. Literature reviewer whose reviews have appeared in all major newspapers and Magazines in Kenya. He is also the facilitator of Amka - a monthly forum for women writers held at the Goethe Institut.

The event is free.

Venue: PAWA 254 Africa Alliance YMCA, Statehouse Crescent off Statehouse Rd., Statehouse Crescent, Statehouse Road, Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For inquiries: powo@kenyapoet.com

For submissions: powo@kenyapoet.com

Website: http://powo.co.ke

Date: 28 May 2011

Literature Forum: Poetry performance, readings, discussions at the Goethe Institut Library from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. Free entry.

Amka is a space to listen to the voices of established and budding female writers - voices of women with a passion for the pen. It gives all women, heard and unheard, a chance to travel with the world into their most inner of thoughts, tell them things they have never had a chance to say before. It is a space to give these women audience, to love their work and critic it, to sit down over a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the art of the hand and the pen but most importantly to give an ear to these ignored voices.

Amka Literature Forum

This is a forum for upcoming, unpublished as well as established women writers and literary critics to share stories, poetry ideas and ideals with the aim of enhancing women’s creativity.

Interested participants may send their short stories and poems to amkaspace@yahoo.com or amkaforum@gmail.com.

The forum takes place every last Saturday of the month. In cooperation with AMKA – Space for Women’s Creativity.

Contact Information:

For inquiries: amkaforum@gmail.com

For submissions: amkaforum@gmail.com

Website: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=66207120199

Deadline: 24 September 2011

All lovers of literature are invited to participate in a literature forum led by Prof. Tom Odhiambo, Prof. Georg Verweyen and Tony Mochama aka Smitta Smitten. Please send your pieces (poems, short stories, essays) to amkaspace@yahoo.com if you would like them to be critiqued.

Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm

Location: Goethe Institut, Maendeleo House, Monrovia Street

Contact Information:

For inquiries: amkaspace@yahoo.com

For submissions: amkaspace@yahoo.com

Date: 25 June 2011

Amka - Space for Women's Creativity is a forum for established and aspiring women writers and literature enthusiasts. We discuss texts by female German writers, Nobel prize laureates and submissions by yourselves.

About Amka Literature Forum

This is a forum for upcoming, unpublished as well as established women writers and literary critics to share stories, poetry ideas and ideals with the aim of enhancing women’s creativity.

Interested participants may send their short stories and poems to amkaspace@yahoo.com or amkaforum@gmail.com.

The forum takes place every last Saturday of the month. In cooperation with AMKA – Space for Women’s Creativity.

Contact Information:

For inquiries: amkaforum@gmail.com

For submissions: amkaforum@gmail.com

Website: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=66207120199

Deadline: 14 June 2012

The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) is a Company Limited by guarantee and having no share capital. It is a leading educational publisher established by the Government of Kenya in 1966 and mandated to advance education and knowledge through competitive publishing and provision of scholarships. The latter are extended to bright needy secondary school children.

In pursuit of its mission and guided by the vision of being the top publishing house in Eastern Africa and a leading scholarship provider in Kenya, The Foundation is looking for suitably educated, trained, experienced, self-driven and motivated individuals with exceptional creativity, enthusiasm and energy to fill the following vacant positions.

JOB REF: JKF/HR/AE/2012/016

ASSISTANT EDITOR-ENGLISH

Reporting to the Publishing Manager, the Assistant Editor will closely work with various authors to ensure that publications are of high standards and relevant to the target market.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist in copy-editing manuscripts as instructed by the section editor.
2. Assist in proof-reading manuscripts.
3. To perform any other relevant duty assigned by the Publishing Manager.

TO BE APPOINTED TO THIS POSITION, ONE MUST HAVE:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Education (English/Literature in English) or equivalent from a reputable institution.
2. Computer proficiency.
3. A post graduate Diploma in Mass Communication is an added advantage
4. At least 3 years classroom experience or 1 year editing experience in a publishing house.

NOTE

The position is permanent and pensionable. Competitive remuneration packages will be
offered to successful candidates.

Interested applicants should apply by emailing us a copy of filled-in respective JKF Job
Application Forms to: md@jomokenyattaf.com.

Please note that the Application Forms should not be accompanied by testimonials. The closing date for receipt of the Application Forms is 4th June 2012.

Persons living with HIV/AIDS, disabilities and women are encouraged to apply.

Only those candidates short listed for interview will be contacted.

Download: application form

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For enquiries/ submissions: md@jomokenyattaf.com

Website: http://www.jkf.co.ke

Deadline: 14 June 2012

The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) is a Company Limited by guarantee and having no share capital. It is a leading educational publisher established by the Government of Kenya in 1966 and mandated to advance education and knowledge through competitive publishing and provision of scholarships. The latter are extended to bright needy secondary school children.

In pursuit of its mission and guided by the vision of being the top publishing house in Eastern Africa and a leading scholarship provider in Kenya, The Foundation is looking for suitably educated, trained, experienced, self-driven and motivated individuals with exceptional creativity, enthusiasm and energy to fill the following vacant positions.

JOB REF: JKF/HR/AE/2012/016

ASSISTANT EDITOR-ENGLISH

Reporting to the Publishing Manager, the Assistant Editor will closely work with various authors to ensure that publications are of high standards and relevant to the target market.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist in copy-editing manuscripts as instructed by the section editor.
2. Assist in proof-reading manuscripts.
3. To perform any other relevant duty assigned by the Publishing Manager.

TO BE APPOINTED TO THIS POSITION, ONE MUST HAVE:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Education (English/Literature in English) or equivalent from a reputable institution.
2. Computer proficiency.
3. A post graduate Diploma in Mass Communication is an added advantage
4. At least 3 years classroom experience or 1 year editing experience in a publishing house.

NOTE

The position is permanent and pensionable. Competitive remuneration packages will be
offered to successful candidates.

Interested applicants should apply by emailing us a copy of filled-in respective JKF Job
Application Forms to: md@jomokenyattaf.com.

Please note that the Application Forms should not be accompanied by testimonials. The closing date for receipt of the Application Forms is 4th June 2012.

Persons living with HIV/AIDS, disabilities and women are encouraged to apply.

Only those candidates short listed for interview will be contacted.

Download: application form

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For enquiries/ submissions: md@jomokenyattaf.com

Website: http://www.jkf.co.ke

Deadline: 16 March 2012

The fastest growing newspaper in Kenya is looking for young, fresh and talented graduates with a passion to grow their skills and career in print media to join its Graduate Trainee Program.

Reporting to various functional editors, the Trainee Reporter will be posted to various desks in the newsroom to obtain an all round reporting foundation. Upon completion of the training program the trainee reporter will be posted to a specific desk based on the end of traineeship evaluation. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Degree in literature and/journalism
• Graduated on or after 31 st December 2010
• Excellent written and spoken command of the English language
• Strong but simple writing style
• A keen eye for detail
• Ability to take good photographs is an advantage.

Please include your daytime telephone number and names and contact addresses of 3 professional referees one of who must be your lecturer.Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For submissions: drop your applications at Lion Place, 2nd Floor, off Waiyaki Way

Website: http://www.the-star.co.ke/

Date: 17 April 2012

University of Nairobi, Dept of literature & African Women Studies invites you to to a Public Lecure and Book Launch by Prof Micere Githae Mugo: From the Heart of my Mind-The Story of our Journey.

Venue: MPH (8-4-4 Building), University of Nairobi

Time: 2pm

Discussant: Hon. Martha Karua (NARC-Kenya Party Leader)

Prof. Micere Mugo is a distinguished writer, scholar and Prof. of Literature, African & African-American studies at Syracuse University. She is also the 2012 Julius Nyerere Intellectual Festival Professorial Lecturer.

via: nairobinow

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For inquiries:

For submissions:

Website:

Lions Club of Nakuru Schools (Melvin Jones Academy, Lions Primary and Nursery), an affiliate of the Lions Clubs International-the world’s largest service organization, seeks to recruit competent teachers to fill the following positions w.e.f September 2011.

1. Biology and Chemistry up to GCE Advanced Level

2. English and Literature up to GCE Advanced level

Applicants for the above two positions should:

* Possess a minimum of a Bachelor of Education degree in the relevant subjects.
* Have served a minimum HOD in the British System of Education.

Ladies are particularly encouraged to apply

3. Computer Teacher /Instructor for Lions Nursery School

4. A Special Education Needs Teacher

Applicants for positions 3 and 4 should possess a Teaching Certificate and a Diploma in the relevant area

Interested Candidates need to apply by 21st August 2011 to :

The administrator,
Lions Club of Nakuru Schools,
P.O. Box 12109 20100
Nakuru

Or by email: mjlanakuru@ymail.com

Contact Information:

For inquiries: mjlanakuru@ymail.com

For submissions: mjlanakuru@ymail.com

Date: 28 April 2012

Reading and Discussion
10.00 am - 1.00 pm
Goethe-Institut Library
Maendeleo House, Monrovia St.
+254 (0) 20 222 4640

The Literature Forum brings together upcoming women writers and literary critics to share and discuss stories, poems and current literary trends with the aim of enhancing their creativity. The forum provides a space to listen to the voices of established and budding female writers – voices of women with a passion for literary adventure. It gives all women, heard and unheard, a chance to travel the world into their innermost thoughts to tell stories they have never had a chance to tell before.

AMKA and the Goethe-Institut organize the monthly readings in the library of the Goethe-Institut every last Saturday of the month. Participation in the forum is open to both men and women. New and established women writers are invited to discuss submissions by participants.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For inquiries/ submissions: Symbolamkaspace@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.goethe.de/ins/ke

Deadline: 30 September 2012

TellingTales Press wishes to announce a short story writing competition for youth and budding writers. Interested participants are requested to submit their scripts by 30th September. Winning scripts will be published in an anthology, courtesy of TellingTales Press, as well as cash prizes for the first, second and third placed positions. This short story writing competition is aimed at reaching out to youthful writers with great potential in providing revolutionary works of literature.

RULES

• The competition is FREE. You are also allowed to enter a MAXIMUM of three entries to compete for the ultimate prize.
• Only manuscripts with 1,500 words or less shall be accepted. Any manuscript outside this margin will be disqualified.
• All entries must be in English and unpublished.
• Entries must be in an electronic format, that is, word documents with 12pt Arial font double spaced (see submission guidelines for more details).
• All entries must be submitted by 30th September.
• Winners will be notified by 20th October through E-mail. Their names will also be published on our Announcements page.
• The competition is open to everyone. Youthful writers are encouraged to submit their manuscripts.

• 1st prize: Kshs. 5,000
• 2nd prize: Kshs. 3,000
• 3rd prize: Kshs. 1,500
• 4th through 20th scripts shall be published in an anthology of short stories.

MANUSCRIPT LAYOUT AND FORMATTING

• Electronic files should be in Word Document format (".doc", ".docx")
• 1 inch margins on all four sides of the page
• 12 pt font Arial double-spaced
• Do not include any other material that is not part of the manuscript. If you have instructions or comments to the editor, please provide them on a separate document.

If your script conforms to the above layout requirements, then please provide the following to accompany the manuscript:

• Manuscript Submission Form (download here)
• A synopsis of the manuscript

Download: manuscript submission form

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For submissions: submit your manuscript here

Website: http://www.tellingtalespress.com

Deadline: 25 July 2011

Verbana Servicing Outfit, an upscale brand management and public relations outfit, is organizing a free creative writing interactive community as part of its empowerment CSR initiative, in partnership with various organizations, NGO’s and corporate bodies, with logistics support from Art World. The forum will be hosted by Ebi Akpeti, author “The Perfect church”.

The set goals and objectives is to develop the basic understanding of the literary genre, especially in the dynamics of plots, styles and theme, fiction or nonfiction, with an aim to “preserve Nigeria’s literary tradition which was made world famous by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Ben Okri, Niyi Osundare, Chimamanda Adichie etc.

The series which is scheduled to take place on the 30th of July 2011 would be an avenue to address the creative writing challenges faced in Nigeria such as degenerating reading culture, plagiarism and poor copyright protection – all of which rob writers and artists of their benefits and several other challenges.

Various creative writing modules will be implemented at this workshop such as Narrative theory practice, Narratives from life, Individual writing project, reading and writing, discussion of creative writing process and the role of literature in the society and also be an opportunity to get published.

The work shop is a part of a developmental campaign that will be implemented across the nation to harness skills and potentials.

How to Register?

Send your name, age, phone number and a one page explanation about your motivation to attend the forum as well a short description of any story your currently working on, to GOTASTORY@EBIAKPETI.COM, not later than the 25th of July 2011.

About the host:

Ebi Akpeti is an alumnus of the Massachusetts institute of Technology (MIT) professional education. She has a master’s degree in Media and Communications from the Pan African University in Nigeria and also in Finance from the University of Calabar. Ebi has three novels to her credit and currently works in the corporate affairs department of one of Africa’s biggest banks.

A 2006 nominee of the Capital Market Reporter of the prestigious Nigerian Media Merit Award NMMA Award, NMMA for her story "Trigger for Fraud", Ebi is also the author of "The Perfect Church which was recently adapted into a screen play by multiple award winning producer, Mr Wale Adenuga. The movie is reputed to be one of the most expensive movies in recent time showing all over Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Botswana. She is currently working on a fiction story on the indigenes and militancy in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria entitled "For the Sake of Peremoboere

Contact Information:

For inquiries: gotastory@ebiakpeti.com

For submissions: gotastory@ebiakpeti.com

Website: http://www.ebiakpeti.com/

Announcement of winner: 11 July 2011

The shortlist for the 2011 Caine Prize for African Writing has been announced today (Monday 9 May). The Caine Prize, widely known as the ‘African Booker’ and regarded as Africa’s leading literary award, is now in its twelfth year. The chair of judges, the award-winning Libyan novelist Hisham Matar, said "choosing a shortlist out of nearly 130 entries was not an easy task – one made more difficult and yet more enjoyable by the varied tastes of the judges – but we have arrived at a list of five stories that excel in quality and ambition. Together they represent a portrait of today’s African short story: its wit and intelligence, its concerns and preoccupations.”

Selected from 126 entries from 17 African countries, the shortlist is once again a reflection of the Caine Prize’s pan-African reach. The winner of the £10,000 prize is to be announced at a celebratory dinner at the Bodleian Library, Oxford, on Monday 11 July.

The 2011 shortlist comprises:

· NoViolet Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) ‘Hitting Budapest’ from ‘The Boston Review’ Vol 35, no. 6 - Nov/Dec 2010

· Beatrice Lamwaka (Uganda) ‘Butterfly dreams’ from ‘Butterfly Dreams and Other New Short Stories from Uganda’ published by Critical, Cultural and Communications Press, Nottingham, 2010

· Tim Keegan (South Africa) ‘What Molly Knew’ from ‘Bad Company’ published by Pan Macmillan SA, 2008

· Lauri Kubuitsile (Botswana) ‘In the spirit of McPhineas Lata’ from ‘The Bed Book of Short Stories’ published by Modjaji Books, SA, 2010

· David Medalie (South Africa) ‘The Mistress’s Dog’ from ‘The Mistress’s Dog: Short stories 1996- 2010’ published by Picador Africa, 2010

As always the stories are available to read online on our website.

Joining Hisham on the judging panel this year are Granta deputy editor Ellah Allfrey, publisher, film and travel writer Vicky Unwin, Georgetown University Professor and poet David Gewanter and the award-winning author Aminatta Forna. Once again the winner of the £10,000 Caine Prize will be given the opportunity of taking up a month’s residence at Georgetown University, Washington DC, as a ‘Caine Prize/Georgetown University Writer-in-Residence.’ The award will cover all travel and living expenses.

Last year the Caine Prize was won by Sierra Leonean writer Olufemi Terry. As the then Chair of judges, Fiammetta Rocco, said at the time, the story was “ambitious, brave and hugely imaginative. Olufemi Terry’s ‘Stickfighting Days’ presents a heroic culture that is Homeric in its scale and conception. The execution of this story is so tight and the presentation so cinematic, it confirms Olufemi Terry as a talent with an enormous future.”

Previous winners include Uganda’s Monica Arac de Nyeko, for ‘Jambula Tree’ from ‘African Love Stories’, Ayebia Clarke Publishing, 2006, and Binyavanga Wainaina, from Kenya, who founded the well-known literary magazine, Kwani?, to publish work by new Kenyan writers.

This year the shortlisted writers will be reading from their work at the Royal Over-Seas League on Friday, 8 July at 7pm and at the London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre, on Sunday, 10 July at 7pm.

Contact Information:

For inquiries: jenny@raittorr.co.uk

Website: http://www.caineprize.com/

Date: 23 February 2012

6-8pm at Goethe Institut - Nairobi

The public reading series “Stories Spoken” is dedicated to introducing contemporary German literature in English translation to the Kenyan audience.

Amid the chaos of civilians fleeing west in a provincial German railway station in 1945, Helene has brought her seven-year-old son with her. Having survived with him through the horrors and deprivations of the war years, she abandons him at the station platform and never returns.

This is a tale of hope, loneliness and love; of a life lived in terrible times; the story of a family, an era, and a fascinating woman.

Excerpts from the novel will be read in English and German by Ngwatilo Mawiyoo and Susan Nadolny respectively.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For inquiries: info@nairobi.goethe.org

Website: http://www.goethe.de/nairobi