Veteran Educator Helena Gacha Brings Zimbabwean Childhood to Life Through Storytelling

By Nelson Geje

After spending more than two decades shaping young minds in Zimbabwean classrooms, educator and children's author Helena Gacha has embarked on a new mission using books to nurture a love of reading while celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage.

In an interview with EduNews, Gacha, author of Popo & Friends at Sekuru's Place, said her transition from teaching Grades 1 to 7 into children's literature was inspired by a desire to continue reaching young learners beyond the classroom.

"After two decades in the classroom, I saw firsthand how stories can light up a child's eyes and help them learn. I wanted to reach even more children beyond my classroom walls, especially those who might not have a teacher like me every day," Gacha said.

She recalled moments when reading simple stories captivated entire classes.

"I remember reading a simple story to my young learners, and the whole class became quiet. Their eyes were fixed on me, waiting to hear what would happen next. Some children even repeated the words after me with excitement. That reminded me that stories are not just for entertainment; they help children listen, imagine, speak and learn," she said

Having taught in both Matabeleland and Mashonaland, Gacha said the experience gave her a deep appreciation of Zimbabwe's cultural diversity while revealing the shared values that unite children across the country.

"I met children from different backgrounds, languages and traditions, but I also saw how much they share—love for family, respect for elders, and joy in nature and animals. I want every Zimbabwean child to feel at home in my books, no matter where they come from," she explained.

She noted that regardless of language or region, children responded enthusiastically to stories about grandparents, gardens, domestic animals and rural life.

"When a story mentioned chickens, goats or visiting the rural home, children smiled because those experiences were familiar to them," she went on.

Gacha intentionally uses simple vocabulary, repetition and animal characters to make her books engaging and accessible to young readers. She believes these storytelling techniques encourage participation while gently teaching important values.

"I use simple, repetitive language so that even the youngest readers can follow along and join in. Animal friends like Popo make the stories playful and familiar, while every story also includes lessons about sharing, patience, kindness and listening to elders," explained Gacha.

She fondly remembered how children would enthusiastically respond to repeated phrases and animal sounds during lessons.

"If I said 'kukukuu' or made a simple animal sound, the whole class would respond with laughter and excitement. That taught me that repetition helps children participate."

Through Popo & Friends at Sekuru's Place, Gacha hopes Zimbabwean children will develop pride in their identity by recognising their own homes, families and traditions within the pages of a book.

"I want Zimbabwean children to know that their lives, families and traditions are important," she said. "Learning happens everywhere—in the garden, at the kraal, or under a mango tree."

She added that children often became excited when classroom stories reflected their everyday lives.

"They would say, 'That's like my Gogo!' or 'We have a mango tree too!' Seeing themselves in a story made them feel proud and valued."

Drawing from more than 20 years in education, Gacha encouraged parents and teachers to make reading a daily family activity.

"Read aloud with your children, talk about the pictures, and let them ask questions or tell the story in their own words," she advised. "Choose books that reflect your child's world and culture. Most importantly, show them that reading is fun and that stories belong to everyone—not just in books, but in every home and heart."

She said some of her most rewarding classroom moments came when children were invited to imagine different endings or retell stories in their own words, fostering creativity and confidence.

Through her writing, Helena Gacha continues the work she began in the classroom—helping Zimbabwean children discover the joy of reading while preserving the country's stories, values and cultural identity for future generations.