Local Author Joseph Schmitt and the star of his book, Dora Moono Nyambe, be will at WordHaven to read from the newly published book: Under a Zambian Tree, answer questions, and sign copies!

Under a Zambian Tree is the inspiring and emotional account of one woman's quest to educate and empower rural village children. Dora Moono Nyambe - or "Teacher Dora" - began with no funding and no school building, just an unwavering belief 'that kindness should drive humanity and development.' From preventing child marriages, navigating village politics and reaching millions of supporters online, Teacher Dora's epic journey from mud hut to full-fledged boarding school is a testament to her incredible resilience and tenacity. Readers will not only be inspired by Dora's story, but will finish reading feeling empowered to initiate positive change under their own "Zambian Tree."

Dora Moono Nyambe is a single adoptive mother, Zambian educator, and international education advocate. At 27 years old, Dora took her meager savings and moved to a remote village, built a mud hut, and started teaching underneath a tree. Three years later, she has saved over 200 children from abuse, forced marriage, rape, and neglect. Dora’s work as an advocate has garnered global attention, amassing over 3.9 million followers via social media worldwide. In October of 2022, she was a keynote speaker at the United Nations -International Day of the Girl Child- in Istanbul, Turkey.

Joseph Schmitt is an American writer, ecotourism researcher, and expedition traveler. He was born and raised in Wisconsin before attending Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2021, Joseph was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Research Grant to conduct ecotourism research in Zambia. Joseph is the author of Under a Zambian Tree, a book inspired by Dora Moono Nyambe. Today, he continues to conduct research, write, and seek adventure.