This Sunday, June 11th at 2 pm, Ciyamba Nseka, an author originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and currently based in Limerick, will be releasing her book titled "Grace to Run Your Own Race."
Having previously spent time in South Africa and later seeking asylum in Ireland, Ciyamba moved to Ireland in 2016 and obtained Irish citizenship in 2018. While working as a caregiver for the elderly, she dedicated her time to writing her book, which she started during her stay in direct provision. Ciyamba explained that initially, she intended the book to be a legacy for her children, but her experiences while integrating into Irish society and becoming a citizen inspired her to turn it into a powerful voice.
Ciyamba described her writing journey as a lengthy process that spanned almost seven years. Instead of focusing on the problems she encountered, she chose to write about overcoming those challenges, hoping that her book would provide resilience, courage, and determination to readers, even during difficult times. She emphasized the importance of making small choices to take steps forward, even on days when motivation is lacking.
When asked about the target audience for her book, Ciyamba expressed that it is for everyone, particularly young people who face their own unique challenges. She believed that sharing experiences can be mutually beneficial and noted the differences in perspective between generations, encouraging individuals to cherish their time as children and appreciate the fleeting nature of childhood.
The launch event for "Grace to Run Your Own Race" will be held at the South Court Hotel on Sunday, June 11th. Ciyamba mentioned that it will be a multicultural event, with Limerick actor Myles Breen serving as the event's master of ceremonies.