Latest update December 12th, 2024 1:00 AM
8-yr-old author launches new book in Guyana
(At right) Anaya Lee Willabus presents a copy of her book to a young reader at yesterday’s launch.
It is in the interest of giving back and encouraging literacy among her peers, that eight-year-old author, Anaya Lee Willabus, launched her new book and self-titled Award, at the conference room of the National Library, yesterday.
Surrounded by family, friends and well wishers, the young author of Guyanese parentage, was lauded for the accomplishment of her book, “The day Mohan found his confidence.”
Distinguished invitees included Minister of Education Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister of Tourism Cathy Hughes, and Chairman of the National Library Committee, Petamber Persaud.
They all congratulated the young girl on her achievement.
While giving her remarks, Minister Hughes noted that the event also coincided with International Youth Day.
The Minister urged the young persons in the audience to use Anaya’s work as inspiration to develop their own natural talents.
“What will you do with these gifts? And (of course) what are these gifts that I speak about? Will you work hard to develop your natural talent? To become the best artists, the fastest runner maybe or Guyana’s first Techno Giant?” the Minister asked, while noting that there is room for growth and development in these areas.
Meanwhile, the Education Minister lauded Anaya’s efforts and noted that her work is truly inspiring.
The Minister said that parents have the responsibility of fostering the love books and reading in their children. “Parents are their children’s first teachers,” Dr. Roopnaraine remarked.
In her address to the audience, the young writer expressed gratitude to her sponsors and those in attendance for their encouragement and continued support. She was all smiles, as she distributed copies of work to children at the event. Since, she is also sports enthusiast
Anaya also took the opportunity to present the Little Diva Flames (Girls) Football team with some new sport gear.
Additionally the Anaya Lee Reading Award, initiative was also launched, yesterday.
The Award is designed to challenge young readers to read as many books as possible via the National Library. At the end of the competition, Anaya will present the winners with attractive monetary prizes.
Anaya was born in Brooklyn, New York to Guyanese parents, Dimple Singh- Willabus and Winston Willabus. Consequently, Anaya’s book is based on her experience in her parents’ homeland.
Compiled in six chapters, the book tells a story of a young boy of Guyanese parentage, named Mohan, who struggles to overcome challenges at home and in school, after losing his father in a horrific accident.
But through the difficulties, Mohan learns to belief in himself and discovers that having family and friends and making the effort to do his best can result in the accomplishment of the unthinkable.
The young writer’s work has since been featured on radio, television and in newspaper articles, locally and abroad. In New York, Anaya’s face and name has been splashed on the front page of the Canarsie Courier newspaper and she has even made the evening news.
New York State Assemblywoman, Roxanne Persaud, who is also Guyanese, has showcased Ayana’s book at the Assembly Chamber, where she was recognized and welcomed with loud rounds of applause.
But through it all the 8–year–old remains humble and eager to use her talent to inspire others.
Anaya is currently in Guyana on a book tour.
Since arriving on these shores, in the company of her mother last weekend, Anaya has visited several locations, where she distributed copies of her book.
On Monday last, Dr. Roopnaraine was presented with 500 copies of the book, which are meant to be distributed throughout the local school system.
Anaya subsequently teamed up with, CEO of Global Seafoods Allison Butters- Grant to read, interact and distribute copies of her book, to fourteen children in the West Ruimveldt area.
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