LittAfrica 2023 plenary sessions on the Transformative Power of Hope, Innovations in Publishing and Navigating Challenges

LittAfrica 2023 plenary sessions (English) are available for viewing and sharing via our YouTube channel. May they equip and encourage you in your publishing ministry wherever you are in the world.

• The Transformative Power of Hope: How Written Words Shape Lives with Dr. Amon Kasambala
• Innovations in Publishing: Leveraging Technology to Spread Hope with Dr. Kirimi Barine
• Navigating Challenges: Overcoming Obstacles in Spreading Hope Through Literature with Professor Thapelo Otlogetswe
• Relever Les Défis De La Publication De L’espoir (English and French) with Georges Late

The Transformative Power of Hope: How Written Words Shape Lives with Dr. Amon Kasambala

As we navigate the challenges of the modern world, words continue to be a potent force for change. Discover how written words have the remarkable ability to instill hope, reshape perspectives, and ignite positive change within individuals and society at large. Whether you’re a passionate reader, a writer, an editor, or simply someone seeking to explore the profound influence of hope in written form, may this session inspire and invigorate your belief in the transformative power of words. Embark on a journey into the world of literature and hope, where stories become agents of change and words light the path to a brighter tomorrow.

Dr. Kasambala is founder and Chief Executive of Global Advisory Plan Services, which provides strategic advisory support to businesses and organizations on leadership, organizational development, systems and vision alignment.  Based in South Africa and a native of Zambia, he is an ordained minister with a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Stellenbosch University. He was CEO of Focus on the Family Africa for eight years, expanding the work into 26 sub-Saharan African countries.  He was a personal advisor to two Zambian presidents and has facilitated many church-related forums and trainings in Africa and across the globe.

Innovations in Publishing: Leveraging Technology to Spread Hope with Dr. Kirimi Barine

Explore how technology is revolutionizing the world of publishing, enabling us to spread hope in unprecedented ways. In an era of digital transformation, Dr. Barine showcases innovative strategies and tools that writers, publishers, and content creators are using to reach wider audiences and inspire positive change. From interactive storytelling and immersive virtual experiences to AI-driven content recommendations, discover how technology is breaking down barriers and connecting readers with stories that uplift, motivate and instill hope. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a writer looking to harness the power of digital platforms, or a publisher seeking to adapt to the evolving landscape, there are limitless possibilities of spreading hope through the written word in the digital age. Step into a world where words are more than just ink on paper, where innovation and technology breathe life into the pages of hope.

Dr. Barine is Global Publishing Development Coordinator for the United Bible Societies, with more than 20 years’ experience in publishing, capacity building and strategic consulting. He has a passion for training writers and publishers and is the founding director of the Publishing Institute of Africa. Dr. Barine holds a doctoral degree in Business Administration, and is a member of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and a trustee of MAI-Africa.

Navigating Challenges: Overcoming Obstacles in Spreading Hope Through Literature with Professor Thapelo Otlogetswe

Professor Otlogetswe highlights the barriers and hurdles that authors, publishers, and advocates face in their mission to infuse hope into the written word. Learn through personal journeys that reveal the struggles and triumphs in harnessing literature as a beacon of optimism amidst the complexities of our world. From navigating societal taboos to the intricacies of promoting diversity and inclusion, this session explores the intricate tapestry of challenges that shape the landscape of hopeful storytelling. Engage with the untold stories behind the stories and gain valuable insights into how literature continues to defy adversity and offer solace, empowerment, and inspiration in an ever-evolving literary realm.

Professor Otlogetswe is Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Botswana. In 2013 he was awarded the Presidential Order of Honor for efficient and devoted service to the Republic of Botswana. Between 2019-2020 he was a Fulbright visiting scholar at the University of California, Davis. His research is in lexical computing and corpus lexicography, in particular, that of Setswana. He has written a number of dictionaries including Tlhalosi ya Medi ya Setswana, English-Setswana Dictionary and Poeletso-medumo ya Setswana: a Setswana Rhyming dictionary. He has also co-authored a Setswana orthography book, Mokwalo o o lolameng wa Setswana, and published a Setswana-English-Setswana school dictionary for Oxford University Press (UK). Prof. Otlogetswe writes a column for Botswana’s Telegraph newspaper.

Relever Les Défis De La Publication De L’espoir (English and French) with Georges Late

Georges Late highlights the barriers and hurdles that authors, publishers, and advocates face in their mission to infuse hope into the written word. From navigating societal taboos to the intricacies of promoting diversity and inclusion, he explores the intricate tapestry of challenges that shape the landscape of hopeful storytelling. Engage with the untold stories behind the stories, offering valuable insights into how literature continues to defy adversity, offering solace, empowerment, and inspiration in an ever-evolving literary realm.

Georges is the general manager of Presses Bibliques Africaines (PBA) publishing house in Benin. PBA is the editorial arm of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) in French-speaking Africa. Georges began work at PBA as director of the marketing department 15 years ago right out of college, and held leadership positions in every area of the publishing house before becoming its general manager. In addition to publishing, Georges is actively involved in student work, as well as radio and pastoral ministry.

Photos courtesy of Glenn Haggis.