Aïta Chancella Kanyange is a Burundian author dedicated to preserving and promoting her country’s cultural heritage through storytelling.
At 33, she writes engaging stories for children between the ages of 2 and 10. She has published two volumes of her tale collection Harabaye: Once Upon a Time, written in Kirundi, French, and English.
Rooted in Burundian culture, her books are designed as tools for learning, helping to instill values while nurturing a love for reading among young children.
Kanyange’s inspiration came from her own journey into motherhood. After the birth of her first son, she wanted to introduce him to reading but found that most available books were foreign and disconnected from the realities of children in Burundi.
She noted that many of these stories reflected lifestyles unfamiliar to local children, which motivated her to create stories they could relate to.
Her books are also known for their bright, captivating illustrations. According to Kanyange, children respond strongly to visuals, often connecting with images even more easily than with words.
She hopes her work will provide a strong educational foundation and deepen children’s understanding of their cultural identity.
Now a mother of two, Kanyange encourages parents to be more intentional about their children’s upbringing, urging them to limit screen time and actively engage in their development.
Her efforts are already making an impact, with families attending reading sessions centered around her books.
One parent, Evelyne Nkunzimana, praised the books, noting that in Harabaye, both the storytelling and illustrations play a vital role in capturing children’s attention and enhancing their learning experience.
About the Author
