Luanda - The children's book Njinga Mbandi - A Rainha de Angola (The Queen of Angola), by writter by Elsa Barber, was launched on Thursday, in Luanda, with the presence of the First Lady of the Republic, Ana Dias Lourenço.
The 30-page children's book includes small texts and images that explore the personal journey of Queen Njinga Mbandi and praises her character, whose story was told to children aged 8 to 12 during the act.
The author informed that the work serves to ensure that children in primary schools acquire knowledge about Angolan ancestries, adding that she chose Queen Njinga Mbandi, as she is an inspiring woman for all generations.
At the time, the minister of Culture, Filipe Zau highlighted the content of the book for children, taking into account that it mainly contains visual arts.
“The drawing images can be an interesting way of bringing our children’s sense of identity in a more pedagogical and much more playful way”, he highlighted.
Regarding the current situation in children's literature, nationally, the government official said it is necessary to continue working with new generations so that children do not consume "unknown literature".
In turn, John Bella, who wrote the book's preface, praised it for highlighting the history of Angola through writing.
He urged writers to also bring stories of others such as Queen Nhakatolo, Queen Muhongo Matamba, Kimpa Vita, as well as Mutu-Ya Kevela, Ekuikui II and Ngola Kanini so that Angolan history can be rediscovered.
In the same vein, the writer Kanguimbo Ananás, defended a continuous approach of all the women who fought for Angola.
Queen Njinga Mbandi is a prominent female figure in the history of Angola, during the resistance in the 17th century.
She is known as the queen of Ndongo, as well as of Matamba, and also the greatest symbol of African resistance to colonization, for tenaciously facing the Portuguese colonial regime in Angolan territory.
Elsa Bárber, who is also a social activist, was born in Luanda and has a degree in Law from Agostinho Neto University and a postgraduate degree in Law and Business Management from Angola Business School and NOVA University Lisbon.
The author is also a member of the Angolan Bar Association and has held several positions, including General Director of the Angolan Institute for Consumer Protection (INADEC), Director of the Financial Training Office of the Capital Market Commission (CMC) and Secretary of State of the Family and Promotion of Women.
AMC/SECM/MRA/jmc
