User:Keith Phetlhe/sandbox

Keith Robert Phetlhe is a poet, teacher, linguist and writer who is the founding Chairman of Poetry Society of University of Botswana. Born in March 31st, 1988 in Gaborone the capital city of Botswana as the fifth born of Ms. Edith Phetlhe he grew up at the care of his mother and the frequeant visits of his grandfather who was a Praise Poet. Phetlhe has worked on the performance praise poetry, with special interest in Setswana praise poetry. In 2006, he was awarded a first position national award in accordance with the Order of Outstanding Poetic Recognitions given by the Ministry of Labor and Home Affairs' Women Department. The work that won him this national exclamatory award was on the theme of violence, which was celebrated and observed during the nation's sixteen days of Activism Against Women and Children. His Poetic Legacy dates back to 1996, when he would perform during his early primary school days as the poet gracing the proceedings of June 16, Common Wealth and Prize Giving Day ceremonies. He was accordingly awarded certificates which recognized his literary status as the school's poet. Keith did his Primary School at Notwane Primary School and his Secondary Schooling was done at Marang Community Junior Secondary School and Ledumang Senior Secondary School. Phetlhe later joined the University of Botswana where he continued as a poet and activist which has also resulted in international claim. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English & African Languages and Literature and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education, a qualification which makes him a qualified teacher of Setswana and English languages. Currently, Phetlhe resides in Athens, Ohio where he is reading for his Masters in African Studies, with focus on the Development of African Literature. He also teaches Setswana classes to non Setswana speaking students who are interested in the study of African Societies. He recited his poetic piece, titled "Bakgatla ba ga Kgafela" at Springfield Missouri where he was an exchange student. Phetlhe has also recited his work of "Motherland" in Landau Germany during the international cultural day. He hopes to publish his work of poetry, titled, "Anthems from the Calabash" in the near future.