Tanzania’s Youngest Published Author on Reading 400 Books and Writing with Purpose

By Adonis Byemelwa

At first glance, Benedict Gwao looks like any other lively nine-year-old, curious, thoughtful, and full of stories. However, spend a little time listening to him talk about books, and it becomes clear that storytelling is not just a hobby for him; it is part of his everyday life. From family road trips to quiet moments on a noisy school bus, Benedict pays attention to the world around him and turns them into stories that centre on kindness, sharing, and community. In a thoughtful and engaging conversation, Pan African Visions, Benedict, the youngest published author many readers will encounter this year, opens up about how reading over 400 books, growing up in a literature-loving family in Tegeta, Dar es Salaam, and learning from admired African writers has shaped both his imagination and his sense of responsibility as a young storyteller.

What inspired you to write your first book, and when did you first realise you loved storytelling?

Storytelling has always been part of my life. My parents buy us storybooks very often, so reading feels natural at home. When I started reading children’s books by writers like Nahida Ismail from Tanzania, as well as writers from other countries, I began thinking, maybe I can write a story too. My mom is a writer and mentors young writers, so she taught my sister Janice and me how to organise ideas, write clearly, and finish a story. She guided us step by step until our books were complete. My dad also encourages us to read science books and storybooks so we can write about animals, plants, and nature. When we launched our books at school during class project days, the support from teachers, friends, and parents made me feel confident. Nevertheless, it was when I started talking about my book and sharing it with others that I truly realised I love storytelling, and that I want to keep writing stories about my family, Tanzania, and Africa for other children to learn from.

Your story is closely connected to kindness. Why do you think kindness is essential, especially for children today?

Every day, on my way to school or while watching the news, I notice that not all children have the same opportunities. Some do not have storybooks, proper shoes, or even enough food. I also see children in different parts of the world facing complicated situations, which makes me think deeply. Kindness helps us notice each other. It teaches us to share what we have and protect one another. When children feel cared for, they feel brave and hopeful. That is why my book is called Sharing Is Caring: Stories of My Family to Yours. I have shared 1,000 copies of my book with my school library, family friends, and children in orphanage centres across Tanzania, as well as in South Africa, the Ivory Coast, Kenya, Uganda, Liberia, and Ghana. When children send messages saying they enjoyed the stories, it reminds me that kindness can travel very far through books.

How did your family, especially your parents and sister, influence your love for reading and writing?

In our home, reading and writing are part of our daily routine. We even created a family timetable together that shows we must read a storybook every day and write down the lessons we learn. On the school bus, where it used to be noisy, my mom suggested that we carry notebooks and books. Instead of complaining, we started reading and writing. Soon, other children became curious, and we began sharing short stories with them too. On weekends, we talk as a family about the books we read. My sister Janice inspires me in different ways; she is very talented at drawing and painting characters. She has written Janice, The Garden Girl, and she also tells stories through songs, poems, and dance. Watching her express stories in many forms pushes me to think creatively in my own writing.

You have read more than 400 storybooks. How has reading so many books shaped you as a writer?

Reading books from many countries has opened my mind. I have learned about different cultures, science, adventures, and even games children play around the world. Illustrations help me imagine scenes more clearly and have improved my drawing skills. Sad stories make me think deeply about life, while comic books help me relax and become more creative. Reading Born a Crime by Trevor Noah helped me understand real challenges children can face and how storytelling can give those experiences meaning. Because of all the reading I do, I do not just write for fun; I write hoping my stories will help other children discover their talents and treat others with kindness.

Can you share a moment from school or family trips that inspired a story in your book?

One memory that stayed with me is visiting our grandparents in Tabora and Singida. The road trips, the land, the food, and helping feed goats and cows taught me about family, responsibility, and rural life. We made new friends there and still send them storybooks. At school, Milestones Academy in Bahari Beach, I enjoy reading and playing with friends like Gian and Ethan. Being part of the Leader in Me programme taught me how to plan, work with others, and think win-win. These lessons influence how I write about teamwork and leadership in my stories.

What did meeting writers you admire teach you about being an author?

Meeting Nahida Ismail during Eid al-Fitr was very special. Seeing a writer I admired in real life showed me that authors are people who love sharing stories, not just names on book covers. Later, after reading Prof. Mbele’s Chickens in the Bus at the Anna Mbise Pan-African Mobile Library, I met him online. He encouraged me to keep writing and later helped edit my book. When he visited our home from the USA to congratulate my family, it made me proud and motivated to take my writing seriously.

 What do you hope children take away from Sharing Is Caring: Stories of My Family to Yours?

I hope children learn to share, care for each other, and protect one another. I also hope they fall in love with reading and writing, just like I did. I want children to believe they can write books, sell them, save money for their dreams, and even start reading clubs with friends and parents. Most of all, I hope families read together and enjoy learning from stories.