A grade 12 learner from the Curro-managed Meridian Karino High School in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is ecstatic to become a published author, having won the Stories Innibos regional writing competition.

Aptly titled ‘Evolving’ Ezraite Jamile’s short story, which gives a touching account of the impact of parental loss, has not only won her a cash prize but also catapulted her into authordom. The 17-year-old will now also see her provoking words translated into Afrikaans, English and IsiSwati and published as both print and digital books later this year.

A total of ten high schools in the Lowveld were approached by the Stories Innibos Competition, which is proudly funded by the LW Hiemstra Trust and Die Stigting vir Bemagtiging deur Afrikaans. Each school was able to submit two of their best stories, each of no more than 1,000 words in length for the competition before a special adjudication panel selected one winner for each school.

Ezraite’s short but captivating story unpacks the rollercoaster of emotions and consequential decisions made by a young but unnamed female protagonist, after the sudden death of her father during her Matric year. Written in a diary format, the evocative yet inspiring published writing will now be shared with high school learners as a project by the youth for the youth.

“We are incredibly proud of Ezraite’s fantastic achievement. We place a huge emphasis on developing core learning skills like writing and reading and it is very refreshing to see learners like Ezraite utilise these skills to help stimulate conversation and encouragement amongst their peers when it comes to sensitive issues. Ezraite is a worthy winner and a fantastic role model to other learners and I cannot wait to see more of her writing on the bookshelves in coming years” says Johannes Mahlatsi, Executive Head at Meridian Karino.

The school will receive 100 copies of Ezraite’s printed book. A portion of these will be sold to teachers and parents for fundraising purposes, with the remainder used in class as reading material.