05 Apr 2016

It is not always about how you start, but how you finish will determine the direction your life will take. 

This is the experience that Mr Ompatile Manake, 28, of Jwaneng had in order to redefine his life from the gusty situation to changing to a trouble-free life. Mr Manake is a beneficiary of the youth grant from the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture.

In an interview recently, he said he applied for the youth grant late last year in the quest to help him publish a motivational book, The Cornerstone, which he said was based on his life story. He added that the book was not just for reading and putting aside, but for one to learn from his mistakes and choose a better way forward.

Mr Manake grew up in Gaborone and it is here where he said, he started drinking and abusing drugs while at senior school. 

Mr Manake said he grew up a very rebellious child which he was not proud of. 

He said he lived a troubled life of drugs and alcohol which impacted badly on his education and health. He said after going to church he had to rebrand his image and began writing a book.
The Cornerstone, is a motivational book about his life when he was growing up and what transpired after. 

Mr Manake says the book does not only target the youth, but everyone who has gone through the hardships of life. 

The book is meant to inspire them not to give up easily.
Mr Manake said he managed to publish 200 copies of his book some of which have been given to Botswana Archives, University of Botswana, National Library head office and Copyright Botswana. He manages, markets and self-distributes the book himself. 

He said he was yet to get a response from retailers for distribution. 

He said despite his ups and downs in life he did not give up, but rather worked hard towards a better future for himself and his daughter.
He highlighted that he also does motivational talks in schools as part of the project and would also love to tender for supplying it to schools, especially  junior schools. 

He said his book could also be found at some of the bookshops in Gaborone such as Kaysee Bookshop, Freedom Books at Railpark Mall and Ithuteng Bookshop at the Pop In Mall. 

He said it was only priced at P100 which was affordable and emphasised that his purpose was about building integrity and self-discipline through literature. 
He said that although he has never met with the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, he was grateful to him because he was motivating.

“Whenever I do my projects, I look up to him because he is active and committed towards seeing that we, as the youth, are being assisted,” he added.
He said he was thankful to God, his family and the MYSC office for standing by him and helping him achieve his dream of publishing his book. 

He said it was worried to see the youth perishing as a result of drugs and other substances. Ends