On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Liberia Association of Writers (L.A.W.) joined writers across the globe in celebrating the 31st anniversary of International African Writers Day.
As part of its ongoing efforts to nurture young literary talent, L.A.W. focused its celebrations on establishing and training student writers’ clubs across Liberia, a move designed to inspire and cultivate the next generation of Liberian writers.
L.A.W., in a release, is quoted as saying the series of activities marking the occasion began in September 2024 with a robust discussion on the importance of including local languages in school curricula.
This was followed by the establishment of student writers’ clubs and training sessions at various schools, including the Dya-wulu Cooperative Learning Center in the Rehab Community along the Robertsfield Highway, as well as several schools in Nimba County: St. Mary Catholic School, Blessing Seventh Day Adventist School, and God’s Divine School in Sanniquellie.
According to L.A.W. release, these activities are being carried out in collaboration with UNESCO Liberia and the WE CARE Foundation.
Cllr. Wede Ade Kerkulah, President of L.A.W., emphasized the significance of this initiative.
Cllr. Kerkulah stressed that the future of writing in Liberia rests solely in the hands of young people.
“The future of writing in Liberia rests in the hands of our youth,” she noted.
She emphasized the importance of providing young people with the tools and resources to develop their writing skills.
“By providing them with the tools and resources to develop their writing skills, we are not only preserving our cultural heritage but also shaping the voices that will tell Liberia’s story in the future,” Kerkulah stated.
L.A.W. has long been at the forefront of promoting Liberia’s culture and arts through writing.
Founded in 1982, the organization has continuously advocated for the development of literary talent, and its activities on International African Writers Day are a testament to its commitment to fostering a thriving writing community in Liberia.
In reflecting on the broader significance of the celebration, Kerkulah noted that the day is about celebrating Africa’s rich literary heritage and strengthening the ties between African writers across the continent and the diaspora.
“We stand in solidarity with the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) and urge governments, including our own, to support this crucial body,” Kerkulah added.
Liberia holds a unique place in African literary history.
The country is the birthplace of Joseph Jeffrey Walters, who in 1891, authored Guanya Pou, the first full-length novel written by a sub-Saharan African.
Walters’ pioneering work inspires Liberian writers and readers alike, and his legacy remains a point of pride for the nation.
L.A.W.’s ongoing efforts, including promoting student writers’ clubs, honor this rich literary history while looking forward to the future of African writing.
The highlight of this year’s PAWA celebrations is a panel discussion on the theme “Reprographic Rights and African Literature.”
Notable African writers will engage in thought-provoking discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing African writers in the digital age.
As part of this broader continental movement, L.A.W. reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development of Liberian and African writers in all spheres of literary activity.
As International African Writers Day draws attention to African writers’ intellectual and creative contributions, L.A.W.’s initiatives ensure that Liberia’s literary future remains vibrant and forward-thinking.
Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, L.A.W. continues to empower young writers who will carry the torch of African literature for generations.
