Wamaitha and her grandchildren sat outside her house. The children were excited because they really enjoyed listening to their grandmother's stories.

Wamaitha began:

Long, long ago. She paused and looked at her grandchildren's faces glow with curiosity.

Wamaitha continued to tell this story:

Beyond the hills and valleys, was a place called Mongu. For years, people from neighbouring Kitwe occupied Mongu. The people in Mongu were forced to work for long hours with little pay.

All that they produced was taken to Kitwe. The little that remained was sold back to Mongu people at high prices.

One day, the people of Mongu held a meeting. They had decided that enough was enough. They wanted their land back from Kitwe. They discussed the odds of winning. They knew that Kitwe had a strong army and better weapons.

There were many ideas, but even after a long time they had no solution. Just as they were about to give up, a young man stood up and said, "I think I know a way."

They were all curious and asked, "Tell us!"

The young man began, "My grandfather told us about a man named Ubuntu who lives across the forest. He grows a fruit called uhuru which gives people the strength to do anything. Let me find this man."

They were all silent and did not know what to do. Since no one else had a better idea, they said, "You go and find this Ubuntu."

The young man set out to find Ubuntu. After five days of going through the forest he came out to find the house. He was very happy. He found Ubuntu, who asked, "What do you want?"

The young man answered, "I want uhuru." As he said that, the other man's eyes grew bigger with surprise. It was so long since anyone had gone in search of the uhuru fruit.

They talked for a long time. Ubuntu decided to give the young man the fruit. He said, "Listen carefully. Once you eat this fruit you will acquire wisdom which will help your people to win independence. You will be the leader of Mongu. Rule with humility."

He gave the young man a small round fruit and added, "Follow my instructions and your land will prosper. Now, go, and tell no one about me.''

The young man went back to Mongu. Just as Ubuntu had said, they were able to chase away the people of Kitwe and get back their land. A celebration was held.

The young man was praised for his courage. He became the first leader of independent Mongu. This man was wise and governed his people well. He served them with humility and considered them in every action he took.

Wamaitha said, "My dear grandchildren, the fruit of freedom comes to each one of us at a given point. Be wise enough to use it well. Remember your actions do not only affect you but everyone around you."

The happy grandchildren went into the house. Wamaitha sat back and watched them go. She hoped the stories she told them would build them into better people and leaders for tomorrow.