Tulip Tuks – 13 Learners Launch a Book “Tulips Bloom”

13 local learners featured in an anthology of short stories and poetry

This initiative saw learners from various schools in Mamelodi and Laudium submit their stories and poems which would be featured in the anthology.

Thirteen learners from various schools in Mamelodi and Laudium officially launched a book, Tulips Bloom.

The official launch was held at the University of Pretoria’s high-performance center last week Friday.

Editor of the book, Tokelo Hlagala, said in 2021 Afrocentric media house (a publishing company) and KCS Book Club partnered with Tulip Tuks for a storytelling initiative.

Tulip Tuks is a student-led organization at UP.

Learners from various schools in Mamelodi and Laudium submitted their stories and poems to be featured in the anthology of short stories and poetry.

“This initiative was geared at promoting writing within the school space and giving young people an opportunity to tell stories creatively,” said Hlagala.

Afrocentric media ran workshops with the learners, helping them understand stories better, and thoroughly know some of the crucial elements involved in storytelling and writing.

Hlagala said, together with the devotion from Tulip Tuks, the learners went through a process of refining their work for publication.

The team of editors and proofreaders from Afrocentric media houses also contributed.

“There were many challenges during the initiative, most as a result of Covid-19 regulations.

“Through the devotion of the organizations involved, the project continued,” he said.

“The book consists of a kaleidoscope of stories with varied themes.

The various skills and approaches that the learners utilized have made the book rich and dense.”

He added the book was not only aimed at a young audience, “but it is a book that adults can and should read as it will make them understand some of the dilemmas that their children are going through as they grow up”.

Speaker Howard Zondo shared a motivational talk about the world of writing and what the industry has done for him is the author of three books.

“I am honored to be invited as a guest speaker for this book launch. It has brought memories of the first time when I launched my first book as a learner myself back in 2017. I believe that this platform that Afrocentric media house has provided for young people is at the heart of this country’s need in promoting literature,” said Zondo.

“This project had to happen against all odds. Stories help us understand the state of society, its afflictions, and struggles. By giving these young people an opportunity to tell stories, we get a glimpse into what are some of the thoughts they have about their societies.

“This book is a good starting point in having some of the conversations that young people are burdened with. The progress of a society depends on stories.”

The book is sold for R199 and can be ordered via Afroecentricmedia.co.za or by calling 064 909 2408.

Source: Rekord Pretoria