The first ever Book Caravan in the East African region is upon us. Dubbed “La Caravane du Livre 2013”, the caravan runs from December 5-9, in Huye, Kigali and Muhanga. According to a press release from the Ishyo Arts Centre, the event seeks to promote cultural diversity and supports national efforts towards a culture of reading by improving access to different literature genres for readers. Through the five-day long event, bookstores and cultural organisations will bring together writers, poets, illustrators, and readers in various interactive settings. Activities during the week will include; mini book fares, poetry recitals, debates and meetings, and professional workshops. Some of the African writers and illustrators who will participate in the “Caravan” are; Dominique Mwankumi, a Congolese author, illustrator and cartoon filmmaker who is based in England; Alain Amrah Horutanga, a Burundian writer, poet and blogger; and Dorcy Rugamba, a Rwandese comedian, author and poet. Ishyo Arts Centre is organising the caravan in partnership with Ikirezi Bookstore (Rwanda), SEMBURA (Association of writers from Burundi, DRC, Rwanda) and Savoir Plus Savoir Faire Bookstore (Burundi). The book caravan opened in Burundi on November 25, 2013 and will arrive in the Southern Province today. It will then head to Kigali from 6 to 9 December, before closing in Muhanga on 9 December 2013. The very first African “Caravan” began in West Africa in 2003, organised by the Association Internationale des Libraires Francophones, an international association of French-speaking booksellers. Since then, it takes place every year and brings together cultural centres, booksellers, writers, and readers as it travels through different cities promoting cultural exchanges through literature.
