Lelo's Success
Sikhonanathi Blose

Lelo is a young girl, only 11 years old. She is very smart and ambitious in everything she does in life.

She stays with her grandmother in the township of uMlazi. Lelo is very close to her grandmother.

1

Lelo's grandmother was her only hope. Lelo's best friend was Zinzi. They grew up together in the township of uMlazi.

They both love playing soccer and reading many books. Both of them have a dream of opening a library.

2

Lelo and Zinzi wish to see their township grow. They also want to uplift the young people in this township.

Lelo's grandmother supports them in everything that they do, including their dream of opening a library.

3

"Zinzi, what can we do to achieve our dream?" Lelo asked her friend anxiously. Both of them were worried, trying to think of a plan.

"Haaaaa! I've got an idea," said Lelo. Let us go in and out of schools, asking for donations of books they no longer use.

4

"Maybe we can also ask for old books that are no longer in use. This will help us pursue our dream of opening a library."

Zinzi agreed with excitement at what Lelo was suggesting. "Let's go, my friend."

They both laughed and left.

5

Indeed, they both left with excitement. Lelo and Zinzi went to different schools, asking school principals for different books.

They were very lucky on their journey. They received a lot of books that were very interesting and helpful to read.

6

Principals from different schools were thrilled with both Zinzi and Lelo for a fantastic job well done.

All schools gave them a warm welcome, and their plan was a huge success.

7

They went home with joy and excitement because they had everything they needed. They received thousands of books, all in good condition.

When they got home, grandmother offered to give them a room to operate their library.

8

Lelo could not believe that her grandmother was helping them with a room for the Library. "Thank you so much, Granny," Lelo gave her a big hug.

"Come, Zinzi, we need to clean up the library." They both cleaned and packed all the books.

9

The next day was the grand opening of the library. The whole community was there, big people were there, even the local councilor, and they were all happy for these children.

"We are so proud of you, Lelo and Zinzi. You have done a fantastic job," the local councilor said

10

They were both awarded with trophies and lots of gifts. It was the best day of their lives.

The library remains open, and children continue to read daily from there.

11
You are free to download, copy, translate or adapt this story and use the illustrations as long as you attribute in the following way:
Lelo's Success
Author - Sikhonanathi Blose
Illustration - , Adonay Gebru, Rob Owen, Vusi Malindi
Language - English
Level - Longer paragraphs