The Kawi popular science series on Renewable Energy is a unique collection of children’s books which educates the reader on the various forms of energy. The books present scientific explanation of how natural elements can be exploited in order to increase energy supply in Africa. The series comprises of six books and focuses on solar energy, hydropower, wind, biogas and wood fuel.

Authors from different regions in Africa were commissioned to develop an interesting set of books, which expose the vastness and abundance of Africa’s natural resources. They provide ample African cultural and traditional examples which have sustained the continent’s energy needs and application for years. A wide range of activities, exercises drawn from African experiences have been used to make the series lively and relevant to young African readers.

Book 4 informs children that energy cannot be destroyed. It merely changes from one form to another. The same energy form can be used in many different ways. For example, potential energy becomes Kinetic energy which can become mechanical energy. The book has several examples of children’s fun activities explaining different aspects of energy,

The authors, Lirahalibonoe Molapo works as a researcher and writer at the Maseru Resource Centre while Nthunt’si Maphasa is a senior staff officer at the National Curriculum Development Centre in Maseru.

Titles in the Kawi Renewable Energy series include:

• Book 1 Renewable Energy – Sources
• Book 2 Renewable Energy – Uses
• Book 3 Renewable Energy – Conservation
• Book 4 Renewable Energy – Conversion
• Book 5 Renewable Energy – Storage
• Book 6 Renewable Energy – Challenges for Africa

The Kawi series is the product of a project implemented jointly by UNESCO and the African Publishers’ Network with support from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the Canadian International Development Agency.