The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
A 12-YEAR-OLD learner is out to prove a point.
Quinton Dongo has launched a book titled “Strive To Do More”, which he hopes will positively inspire readers across the generational divide.
Dongo, who is doing Form One at St George’s College in Harare, said he wrote the book last year when he was still in Grade Seven at Hartmann House.
“I know I am young and quite inexperienced, but ‘Strive To Do More’ is a combination of different aspects of people’s experiences. I am certain that any of the contents can be relevant to our society,” he said.
The budding writer believes God is using him to reach out to many people.
“I noticed that many of us are living just to have enough, but I wanted to make it known that there is more to life than getting ‘enough’, and that you can do more to benefit yourself and others around you.
“I was exposed to personal development at home from a very tender age and it spoke to my mindset in a most amazing way.”
He said his work is inspired by several authors.
“One of the key lessons I have learnt from my personal development coach, Tafadzwa Mukoyi, is that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places or people. Thus, I never let any thought of doubt or negativity stop me from inspiring.
“I enjoy and am inspired by a lot of older authors because most of them have a backstory, a start that was not so good, but they kept in mind that their past does not determine their future.”
The trick to being a successful writer, he said, was being widely read.
“Most of the people who have read my book or have met me are impressed and in disbelief because of my age. However, I guess it is never too early to pursue your dreams or career. I would like to urge everyone, no matter their age, to never stop dreaming and act upon what they want to bring positive change and transformation in others.”
Dongo does not have a specific role model, as he draws inspiration from several people’s attributes.
“My parents inspire me a lot due to the way they manage to bring out the best in others. I also like Steve Harvey because of his humble beginning. What I enjoy about his story is that he put in mind two Bible verses — James 4:2, ‘You do not have because you do not ask’, and Habakkuk 2:2, ‘Write the vision and make it clear’. Once he understood those verses, he put them into practice and rose to greatness,” he said.
The 12-year-old intends to publish more books in the near future.
“Strive To Do More’ is my first book. I like to call it my first of many, actually. I will be looking forward to creating more content. I love writing and I won the National Institute of Allied Arts Grade Seven national award in poetry. With the support from home, school and my personal development coach, definitely, there will be more.”
At school, Dongo is a sportsperson who has captained various teams.
