Swahili Folklore - Gonsalves, Gloria D.

Sometimes old memories come flooding back into one's mind with nostalgic effect. One day my brain felt like a giant elephant as I hummed old songs and rhymes that dated as far back as my days in nursery school. My native country Tanzania was intensively on my mind. I felt I had to share these memories or else they will go to waste when I am no more. It was time to show my gratitude to all my teachers who made my school days a joy to remember and also to share the gift of memory with all the children in this universe.





This book consists of nursery rhymes, songs and 20 Swahili folk tales translated into English. The stories were written and submitted by school children from Manundu Primary School in my hometown Korogwe, Tanzania. In Tanzania, oral lore is a common tradition of transmitting stories from one generation to another. I did not wish to see this knowledge get lost but get preserved in a form of written book. The nursery rhymes, songs and animal facts were contributed by me. These were inspired by memories from my school time experiences and also a wish to instill children with an appreciation for the wild animals, especially those belonging to the List of Threatened Animals.





For every child who wishes to explore their wild and fun side, just flick through the pages and get acquainted with the Swahili folklore and Tanzanian wildlife. Tanzania warmly welcomes you. "Karibu sana!"