2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Literature to our poet Gabriela Mistral, an opportunity that allows us to delve deeper into new aspects of her life and work.
In this project, Gabriela Mistral's pedagogical vocation is combined with her concern for childhood, in a collection of poems written at the beginning of the 20th century, which are addressed to children of all times and places. It is precisely this universality that is the basis for the project of translating these poems into the IsiZulu language.
Gabriela Mistral wrote most of her work outside of Chile, in countries in the Americas and Europe, where she served as Consul for our country until the end of her life. This adds an element of special significance to our diplomacy.
This project is part of a cultural diplomacy effort to disseminate Gabriela Mistral's work and seeks to bring together two countries, Chile and South Africa, through poetry—like-minded countries that share common visions and values.
We hope that readers will learn about our poet's work and the centrality of childhood to her through her words."
Hugo Ignacio Llanos M.
Ambassador of Chile to South Africa