LUSAKA, September 24 — Winners of the inaugural Literacy Day Short Story Competition (LDSSC) have been announced by Mbozi Haimbe, Founder of Tushimo Literary Services.
The national competition was launched by a collaborative effort between Tushimo, Zambia Centre for Community Schools (ZCCS) and Commundo to celebrate and encourage creative writing among learners as part of the overall drive towards championing literacy in Zambia. There are two categories to the competition, these: Primary, Grades 5-7, and Secondary, Grades 8-12.
Children sent in their stories from schools in Lusaka, Mongu, Kafue, Kitwe and Choma, delighting the judging panel with their imagination and enthusiasm.
“Well done to all who participated and thank you to our judges, Marjorie M. Simuyuni, Sydney Muponda and Austin Kaluba. Thanks also goes to the LDSSC Committee, the link officers at ZCCS, the teachers from the participating schools, the parents who supported their children and our generous sponsors. This was truly a team effort, said Haimbe.
Hearty congratulations to the top three winners in each category:
Primary Category
First Prize: Laika Phiri, ‘All Things Big And Small’ – K300
Second Prize: Evans Kabanda, ‘Why Hyenas Fear Lions’ – K250
Third Prize: Teddy Zulu, ‘Lost In The City of Lusaka’ – K200
Secondary Category
First Prize: Justin Phiri, ‘The Whispers In The Wall,’ – K500
Second Prize: Lynn Pelekelo, ‘Fiends of The Night,’ – K400
Third Prize: Veronica Mudenda, ‘Ambitious Girl,’ – K350
Additionally, all winners will receive books and stationery and will have their stories published in an anthology in 2025, along with ten other shortlisted stories.
Kalemba Prize 