04 Nov 2025

An 11-year-old girl from Emmanuel Adventist Academy in Mogokotswane ward, Molepolole, has made a leap into the world of writing. Nonofo Reetsang has authored a book titled: The Journey of an 11-Year-Old Christian Girl, aiming to motivate peers and adults alike to believe in their voices and make positive choices.

In an interview, Nonofo expressed her passion for inspiring others, saying, ‘even at 11, I believe I have something valuable to share. My goal is to encourage everyone to believe in themselves, regardless of age.’

She emphasised the need for maturity in today’s fast-paced world, stating that ‘we were born into times that require us to mature quickly or risk falling behind. This book shares my journey as a young girl learning to be bold and make big decisions, like choosing to believe in Jesus Christ’.

Nonofo said her memoir, a seven-chapter, 63-page book, was meant to motivate readers of all ages to believe in themselves and pursue positive choices.

“My passion is to help the elderly in hospices and people with disabilities. I also want to encourage the young people,” said Nonofo.

She said she was inspired by her role models, who included her family members.

In her chronological analysis of the book’s chapters, she said the opening chapter, titled : Small girl with a big mind’, was about her own mind wondering why elders fail to restrain children from drugs.

Her subsequent chapters describe her observations and her desire to help children avoid negative influences., labelled The Beginning, describes how Nonofo starts to independently notice details around her and what specific things she observes for the first time.

 

She said she wanted to help youngsters to chart their own lives and career paths away from drugs and substance abuse.

The chapter: Understanding Things for Myself,’ builds upon the previous chapter by exploring how the author begins to form independent perspectives and interpret experiences personally.

“I have started to realise that children do not take drugs on purpose. Sometimes it is pressure from their peers, while at other times it is pressure from their parents. Parents happen to put a lot of pressure on their children by choosing careers for them that do not match the child’s potential, thus derailing the children from pursuing their dreams, ” explained Nonofo.

The book, places an emphasis on character building and encourages children to adopt a traditional culture of courtesy, where children are expected to show respect to elders.

Nonofo said her parents helped her get the book printed. She also worked with her coach, Ms Ntlafatso Keitirile, who runs Heavenly Voices Publishers in Francistown. The company helps Christian children write and market books. She said the support from her school was also astonishing, as she was even presented in front of the school’s assembly for her schoolmates to support her work.

Ms Precious Sibanda, Nonofo’s class teacher, described Nonofo as a talented individual who is well-mannered.

“She is an exceptional student who consistently shows her passion for learning and creativity. She is diligent and meets deadlines. Her compositions are outstanding and show true creativity and passion for her work,” said teacher Sibanda.

Teacher Sibanda said Nonofo’s book showcased a unique writing style, hence she was confident that readers, especially Nonofo’s age mates, would find the book engaging.

Aside from her academic pursuits, Nonofo is the vice-head girl of her school. She credits her success in balancing schoolwork and chores to her time-management skills, emphasising the importance of dreaming big to shape a better future.

Nonofo aspires to be an author while also advocating against drug abuse and promoting good behaviour among youth. She also encourages churches to establish kindergartens for underprivileged children.

Her book will be officially launched on December 6 at Miachi Gardens in Mogokotswane Ward, Molepolole. ENDS