How an engineer turned children's author to help kids understand renewable energy

An informative children's book on solar energy is helping young kids in South Africa to learn about renewable energy through a relatable character.

Winnie Catches the Sun is written by Ntitiseng Moloi, a curious child herself who grew up to become an engineer working in energy.

"The sun is full of magic and Winnie is about to discover just how powerful it really is! When a power outage leaves her home in the dark, Winnie learns about the magical sun-catcher that transforms sunlight into electricity. Could the power of the sun really bring light into her home?"

Moloi says the self-published book is really a dedication to her younger self.

Growing up in a small Free State town, she would have loved to learn about a topic like this, she tells Gugs Mhlungu.

"I was curious about things, also those I wasn't necessarily exposed to in my day-to-day life. If you'd told me at six or seven years old that we can generate energy from the sun my mind would have been blown! Also, I would definitely have wanted to know more about it."

The character of Winnie reflects the young Moloi as an inquiring youngster who learns about the things she finds in her environment like a solar-powered lamp.

"We follow her adventure until she eventually figures out not only the concept of solar, but finds out more about how it can be used by large-scale power facilities."

The author emphasizes the importance of South African kids seeing themselves represented in educational literature as capable problem solvers.

"The book's focus on solar energy has a lot to do with exposure in my line of work, which is more around solar-powered facilities... And, I've come to learn the value of relatable literature in delivering educational content to kids, especially when it comes to STEM-related content (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)."

Moloi says she's received wonderful feedback from young readers, as conveyed through their parents. The adults themselves say they have also been able to learn through the adventures of Winnie, a character brought to life for children.

You can order a copy of Winnie Catches the Sun online at winniecatchesthesun.company.site.

To listen to Ntitiseng Moloi in conversation with Gugs Mhlungu on 702's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below: