AIDGLOBAL promotes debate about children's literature and education in Mozambique

Maputo, April 8, 2026In the month in which International Children's Book Day is celebrated, the Portuguese Cultural Center in Maputo will host, on April 14th at 5:30 pm, the round table 'Writing, Translating and Illustrating for Children' which aims to discuss the importance of producing bilingual children's literature books in Mozambique.

The initiative, promoted by AIDGLOBAL, culminates with the launch of the book "The Dreaming Shoes" / "Svifambu Svavalorhi", authored by Vandy Cambula, illustrated by Cerina do Rosário and translated by Mabjeca Tingana, the sixth title in the Books to Begin collection.

The round table will feature the participation of the president of the Portuguese Language Bibliographic Fund, Nataniel Ngomane, and several artists involved in the collection, namely the translator William Muchanga, the writer Venâncio Calisto, and the illustrator Ventura Mulalene. Mélio Tinga will moderate.

There will also be an exhibition on display showcasing the work of the artistic team responsible for the collection.

'Acting, including and developing through education' is the mission of the organization which, since 2009, has been working in Mozambique with projects in the area of ​​reading. Among the main initiatives, the creation of libraries and support for community schools in rural areas stand out, contributing to the integral development of preschool children.

The Books to Start With collection brings together accessible and culturally relevant stories, developed to broaden access to Mozambican children's literature. Written in national languages, these works promote a love of reading and learning in the mother tongue, while introducing early contact with Portuguese, the country's official language.

The editorial line was created within the scope of the project Educators in Motion – An Itinerant Education for Early Childhood, funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and co-funded by Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language, IP.