DR Congo’s Mlimani Collective Revives Youth Interest in Reading

In Goma, DR Congo, local initiatives led by Mlimani are striving to rekindle young people’s interest in literature by producing accessible, culturally relevant books. The publishing house offers works by local authors at affordable prices, while organizing community events to promote reading and discussion. This movement aims to lift the stigma of reading as a luxury and empower the youth with knowledge about their history and culture.

In Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), local artist Martin Lukongo is motivating young individuals to reconnect with literature despite ongoing regional conflicts. Within a context where reading is often viewed as a luxury due to the nation’s poverty, a collective of artists and activists, including Lukongo, is working tirelessly to promote local book production. They aim to make literature accessible and affordable to young readers, offering books at prices between $5 and $10, as opposed to the oftentimes unreachable costs of imported books.

The Mlimani publishing house, founded by activists including Depaul Bakulu, thrives on the principle that local literature can resonate more profoundly with the youth compared to foreign publications. Their catalog features diverse authors—including renowned Congolese figures and international thinkers—who explore themes that strongly relate to the cultural identity and experiences of young Congolese. The collective has quickly become a beacon of hope for aspiring publishers and writers, igniting a newfound interest in local literary production.

Mlimani has cultivated a network to distribute its works across major cities in the DRC, frequently organizing engaging reading sessions in schools and cultural centers. These initiatives aim to attract potential readers and foster dialogue about culturally relevant subjects. Recent events have illustrated the dynamic discussions unfolding around literature that centers on Congolese history and culture, pushing against the scope of primarily foreign narratives usually taught in schools. Young individuals, such as Victor Ngizwe and Steven Sikubwabo, express a desire to use the knowledge gained through literature as tools to shape their futures and challenge societal norms.

As Mlimani’s influence grows, other local publishers and authors are emerging, contributing to a revitalized literary landscape in the DRC. Lukongo emphasized that writers can now publish locally without the need to rely on foreign entities, effectively reshaping the approach to literature in the DRC. This evolving atmosphere indicates profound potential for empowering the youth through the written word.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has long been marked by conflict and economic struggles, resulting in a profound impact on the cultural landscape, particularly in terms of access to education and literature. The prevailing belief within some segments of the society is that reading is not only a luxury but also an impractical pursuit amid challenging socioeconomic conditions. As DRC struggles with poverty, initiatives such as Mlimani are aiming to shift this narrative by providing accessible literature that reflects the local culture and experiences of Congolese youth, thereby nurturing a new generation of readers who can engage with their heritage and aspirations.

The efforts of Mlimani and its affiliated activists signify a transformative movement aimed at fostering a love for reading among the youth of the DRC. By prioritizing local authors and works that resonate culturally, they are not only challenging the perception of literature as a luxury but also empowering a new literary community within the nation. This initiative holds the potential for significant social change, encouraging critical thought among young readers and helping to shape an informed and engaged future generation.

Original Source: www.france24.com