Ta-Lakata: The Tears of Africa - Tapa dura

Zindaba, "Zindie" Nyirenda was the granddaughter of traditional Zambian heritage and raised in an elite and privileged environment in Zambia during the country's booming economy. Zindie's formative years were filled with love and happiness; she studied at the best schools and her outlook for her future was bright. While Zindie moved to the United States to live and study abroad, her country took a devastating downturn as the AIDS/HIV virus destroyed a large populace of her beloved country and the economy crumbled. Zindie's family and friends suffered unimaginable tragedies as this magnificent paradise succumbed to a relentless virus and inconceivable poverty. Her heart wrenching tale takes the reader inside a world that most people will never experience. The face of AIDS becomes her own as Zindie resolves to do everything within her power to improve the dire statistics that plague her country. Her pledge to God and Africa is beautifully narrated in this moving story of her commitment to a continent that is part of who she is, and always will be. "A stunning tribute to our country, our continent and our people. Our struggle to freedom, peace and dignity took a long time to accomplish. The challenges we faced inspired us to soldier on vehemently. Today, we are confronted by a different struggle with frightening ramifications on the human race. The AIDS pandemic which has so mercilessly afflicted our continent in unprecedented proportions is a call to action on all of us to join the fight against this alarming epidemic. This book contains a wealth of information on this daunting challenge to humanity. "Princess Zindie, you mean so much to us, you are the bridge between us and the world of compassionate people out there. Your voice will no doubt resonate loudly and clearly across this our one world. For the world has been waiting, groaning for a voice such as this one". I therefore highly recommend this book. May Princess ZindabaNyirenda's appeal be an inspiration on all of us to join hands for a common purpose: To fight and conquer AIDS." -Dr. Kenneth D. Kaunda, First President of the Republic of Zambia, Founder/Chairman of the Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation Princess Zindaba Nyirenda is the President and Founder of The Light on the Hill for Africa, a non-profit organization that equips and empowers local leaders in remote areas and neglected villages in Africa. She was the 2007 keynote speaker for in World AIDS Day Conference in Illinois and currently attends Roosevelt University to obtain her masters degree. She has published magazine and scholastic articles in Zambia and is currently writing a nonfiction novel about those living with AIDS. She lives in Illinois with her three children.