BookSprint Namibia produces four new children’s books
Four new Namibian children’s books have been created through the 2026 edition of BookSprint Namibia, bringing the initiative’s collection to 13 titles. The books were developed and completed in just 12 hours on 12 September, when 12 Namibian illustrators, designers and authors gathered at the Goethe-Institut Namibia to create original stories for children aged three to eight.
The four new titles are Mbondee, My Best Friend, Naita and the Call of the Birds, Tuli’s Lucky Day and Unedjipa’s Magic Pen. BookSprint Namibia aims to encourage a reading culture among young children by producing high-quality, locally created books in multiple Namibian languages. Nasrin Siege, a renowned German-Iranian author and member of the volunteer BookSprint Namibia organising committee, “Through books, children learn to recognise and understand the world in which they are growing up. Children who have access to books achieve better learning outcomes than those without books. That is precisely why we established this initiative,” she said.
The participating creatives were selected through a series of open calls, with Siege providing editorial guidance throughout the 12-hour book creation process. Jasko Rust, Head of Information and Library at the Goethe-Institut Namibia, said the rapid development of the stories demonstrated the creativity of the participants. “It was incredible to witness how quickly these Namibian stories were brought to life. We are excited to soon share the new books with young readers across the country,” Rust said.
Clarissa Judmann of the Cultural Section of the German Embassy in Windhoek described the project as an educational initiative that strengthens the cultural ties between Germany and Namibia. The books will undergo final design refinements, receive ISBNs and be prepared for publication over the coming weeks. In 2027, the four titles will be translated into eight additional Namibian languages: Afrikaans, German, Khoekhoegowab, Oshikwanyama, Oshindonga, Otjiherero, RuKwangali and Setswana. The books will subsequently be made available free of charge to the public and educational initiatives throughout Namibia.
The 2026 BookSprint authors are Jada Hambeka, Priskila Akwaake, Mac Lenwhill Witbooi and Chalpha Viaungura.
The illustrators and designers are Luka Ndivayele, Helena Louw, Erastus Lenga, Ayishah Hipondoka, Gerson Ntusi, Benhard Nambambi, Nicola Sauber and Silas Mentos Nangolo. BookSprint Namibia 2026 was jointly organised by the Goethe-Institut Namibia, the German Embassy Windhoek and volunteers Nicole Abdinghoff, Nasrin Siege and Detlef Pfeifer.
The University of Namibia also supported the initiative by helping identify aspiring young writers among its student community.
