What I Can Be When I grow Up: Permission to Dream

Giving children a chance to learn is one of the most urgent priorities in Liberia. As a published author and humanitarian, Lewis takes on the dire yet fulfilling task of giving children an opportunity to start a solid educational journey. Quality education is key to any society's success; this ignites Lewis's passion for writing children's books. Ophelia S. Lewis began writing children's books in 2009. A mission to transform the limited books available with African characters in children's books today, drawing from her childhood for inspiration, Lewis creates cultural-genre books with African characters all children can enjoy. Of her work, Lewis says, "The best way of getting people familiar with the importance of identity and own surroundings is through the eyes of childhood. Start at the earliest stage of life." Lewis has created four children's book series: Reading Our World, Teacher Jeanette Kinder Kollege Workbook, Adventures at Camp Pootie-Cho, and Ian & Applecat. Joining the campaign to preserve Liberia's Sapo National Park in Sinoe County, Liberia, she created the series, Adventures at Camp Pootie-Cho, using native animals living in the park as characters people can easily fall in love with. She's joined by other authors who write for the series. Learn more about her work at www.ophelialewis.com.

Shabamukama Osbert was born in the small village of Mbonwa, Ibanda District, Western Uganda. Art has always been a passion, even during his primary and secondary education. Mr. Osbert is a painter, structural designer, and illustrator. He loves art. During his free time, he enjoys photography, traveling, painting, and doing illustrations. In 2016, he earned his bachelor's degree in industrial and fine art from Makerere University. Mr. Osbert currently lives in Kampala, Uganda.