The Interview - George Mwika Kayange

This story is set in Malawi in 1999, on Christmas Eve, when fate brings together two extraordinary kids from different backgrounds as they cross paths. These children create a tapestry of resilience and hope.

I have had personal experiences myself with loss, resilience, and cross-cultural interactions that provided a deep well of emotional material. The strong desire to advocate for social issues and teach empathy has driven the narrative. My commitment to raising awareness about HIV and AIDS, particularly its impact on children, stems from volunteer work and personal connections to those affected by the epidemic. These combined factors inspired the idea for writing this children's fiction.

In my story set in the beautiful country of Malawi, known as the "Warm Heart of Africa," readers will be able to immerse themselves in a unique and authentic setting that is not commonly explored in children's fiction. This setting provides an opportunity for readers to learn about and gain an appreciation for Malawi's rich culture and diverse environment.

One of the most captivating aspects of the story for me was the profound and impactful discussions between Kondwani and Sue regarding the intricate and pressing issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. These open and sincere conversations delved deep into the real-world challenges faced by many African countries, providing a raw and unfiltered view of the complexities surrounding these topics.

There were numerous trees, ranging from gmelina to pine. They walked for about fifteen minutes but could not find a mango tree. It was quiet except for the sound of birds that sang different music tunes. It was believed here that the forest was the resting place of God. This was the only place where God could best be entertained without any disturbance by the sinful outside world. Nobody ever trained these birds how to sing in a choir the way they did; perhaps God himself was the choirmaster.
The forest consisted of birds: magpies, sparrows, swallows, woodpeckers, and many more. The woodpeckers were the ones in abundance. But Sue and Kondwani seemed more interested in the magpies because of their unique long tails.
Birds, like all other animals, are luckier than humans. During mating, they never worry about using condoms to protect themselves from diseases and unplanned pregnancies. This is one of the most striking differences between people and animals.