17 Aug 2015

The youthful book writer, Tumo Kenosi has urged Ngamiland youth to take advantage of the available government initiatives in place and develop their artistic talents to earn a living.

He said they should explore their talents and opportunities by coming up with ideas that would create wealth for them. 

Speaking during the launch of his first Setswana novel dubbed Monate Ga O Fele, Kenosi said young people should explore their talents and follow their dreams until they realize them. 

The printing of the book was funded by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture to the tune of P20 000.

He noted that Ngamiland is full of young people who have a wide range of talents and advised his counterparts to wake up and grab every opportunity come their way. 

“You should develop those talents and create jobs for yourselves and for others. I think we would be able to make a positive contribution to our community in the future,” he said.

The youthful Kenosi advised youth to exercise patience in order to realise their dreams. 

He explained that patience, vigilance, commitment and perseverance kept him going to realise his dream of producing a book which carries a strong message that encourages young people to focus on education. 

He said young people usually juggle fun with school and end up dropping out of school. 

He said they also abuse drugs and alcohol and run the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS. 

IKenosi said his novel is dedicated to the youth and parents to realise the importance of education. “The book is written in Setswana and aims to sensitise and mould the young people who are the leaders of tomorrow to become responsible citizens,” he added.

Businessman, James Evans who has been supportive to ensure Kenosi realises his dream described the youthful writer as a hard worker who never gives up. 

He said Kenosi is not just a writer but a multi-talented child who started as a football star, a motivation speaker and hip hop artist who was famous in Maun.

He described him as an intelligent young man who is still holding on to moral values.

Evans said writing a Setswana novel is a welcome development as it promotes culture and he urged parents, individuals and the public at large to support upcoming young writers who promote their tradition and culture.

For his part, the North West regional coordinator for Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olefile Thipe said the ministry exists to create an enabling environment for young people to come up with income generating projects.

He said the government has introduced various empowerment schemes geared towards addressing the plight of the young people and he urged them to come forth and utilize the schemes.

He said the launch of Kenosi’s book is a massive project which is in line with one of the pillars of Vision 2016.

He said if people could read and understand the contents of the book, they would realize that it would make a positive impact on the lives of many youths. ENDS