09 Jan 2018

Most parents face challenges in the way they groom or bring up their children as they wish to see them grow up with good character and qualities that will allow them to be respectable people in future.

One way of having responsible children is through having someone to look up to; someone who could influence them positively.

It is with this notion that Percy Madikwe and Lovermore Manyuwa co-authored a book titled My Hero in order to inspire younger generation.

In an interview, Madikwe said My Hero chronicles the life of President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, his leadership, the work he has done and the legacy he is set to leave behind when his term comes to an end.

He said the book had been written for Standard three pupils with specific objectives to teach them good morals.

“It will teach them about humbleness, forgiveness, perseverance, love and compassion; values, which have been portrayed by President Khama, making him a prosperous leader he is today.

“We encourage children from a younger age to aspire to be like our President and follow his footsteps because as future leaders of our country, they will drive the country into having responsible citizens,” Madikwe said.

He noted that President Khama was a perfect example of a hero and a role model to young people as he was humble, forgiving, patient and had very firm beliefs.

He said the nation had benefited a lot from his ideals, which makes him an inspiration to young people.

“My Hero is not just a book. It is a demonstration of good deeds of a leader who has a heart of compassion and has contributed extremely well to the growth of our country.

It is a superb material for anyone who wants to have a brighter future and it is without a doubt that this material is a key tool to use in developing the next generation of leaders,” Madikwe added.

During the launch of the last year, deputy permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic Education, Simon Coles commended the authors for their effort in writing about President Khama’s good deeds.

He said it was possible to do so because President Khama was very close to people, which allowed them to interact with him.

Coles noted that President Khama would leave a legacy of compassion as he had taught people to give selflessly.

“The Presidential Housing appeal, which is an initiative by the President has given many houses to needy families and this has now become a huge part of our culture as more Batswana have adopted this principle too and continue to give to the less privileged members of the community,” he said.

The book was published by a local publishing company called Rise up Monana in September 2017. ENDS