At just 11 years old, Phoebe Sewawa Jacobs carries with her a heart full of pride for her roots and the culture that has shaped who she is today. Born in South Africa but nurtured by the warm and vibrant landscapes of Botswana, Phoebe proudly embraces her identity as a Motswana. Though her birthplace lies across the border, her soul and essence are intertwined with Botswana’s rich cultural heritage, and she treasures every aspect of the country that has welcomed her since childhood. Her totem, the monkey, symbolizes playfulness, curiosity, and a spirited nature—qualities that Phoebe holds dear and that guide her as she navigates the world with wide-eyed wonder.
Growing up in Botswana, particularly in the charming and culturally rich village of Moshupa, has been an experience full of personal growth and a deep connection to her heritage. Moshupa is no ordinary village; it is a peaceful haven steeped in history, culture, and a strong sense of community. The village is home to notable figures such as His Excellency Dr. Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the President of Botswana, and Mr. Karabo Gare, the Minister of Entrepreneurship. These remarkable individuals, along with the nurturing environment of Moshupa, have instilled in Phoebe a deep sense of pride in her village, her country, and her roots. For her, Moshupa is not just a place—it is a sanctuary of culture and history, a place she feels fortunate to call home.
Yet, while her life in Moshupa has been filled with joy and belonging, it has not been without hardship. Phoebe is the daughter of the late Tapologo Sebitla and Ms. Penah Jacobs. Losing her father at a young age has shaped much of Phoebe’s emotional world, creating a shadow of grief and loss that she has had to learn to navigate. This profound experience, however, has also allowed Phoebe to explore her creativity and find healing through self-expression.
At such a young age, Phoebe’s mind is already a canvas of vivid thoughts, emotions, and dreams. Much of what she expresses comes from a place of deep feeling, whether it’s happiness, excitement, or sorrow. The loss of her father has been one of the most defining moments in her life, and while it brought grief, confusion, and loneliness, it also opened the door to a powerful form of healing—writing.
For Phoebe, writing became an outlet to process the overwhelming emotions that came with losing a parent. It was through writing that she confronted the complex feelings of fear, sadness, and uncertainty. In her writing, she found a way to voice the unspeakable pain and confusion that comes with such a loss, and in doing so, she discovered a path toward healing. Writing allowed her to acknowledge her emotions and begin to understand that while grief is a shadow that lingers, it is also a place from which strength can emerge.
Her book, “Steps into the Shadow,” is a reflection of this personal journey. The title itself speaks to the idea of moving through darkness—whether it be grief, fear, or uncertainty—and emerging with a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. Writing the book was not only a therapeutic process for Phoebe but also a way to share her experience with others who may be going through similar struggles. It is her way of saying to others, especially young readers, that it’s okay to feel lost in the shadow sometimes, but it’s important to keep walking forward.
In “Steps into the Shadow,” Phoebe explores the many layers of grief, from the initial shock of loss to the slow, often painful, journey toward acceptance. She writes about resilience, identity, and the importance of holding on to the memories and traditions that shape us. The message she hopes to convey is that while life can be full of challenges, there is always hope—even in the darkest moments. By stepping into the shadow and confronting one’s emotions, one can begin the process of healing and personal growth.
Throughout her healing process, Phoebe has been fortunate to have a strong support system around her. Her mother, Ms. Penah Jacobs, has been a constant source of strength, guiding her through the ups and downs with love and wisdom. Her family, friends, and the close-knit community of Moshupa have also played an essential role in helping her navigate her grief. Through their support, Phoebe has learned the value of community and the importance of coming together in times of hardship. They have shown her that no one has to face their struggles alone.
This sense of community is something that Phoebe explores in **”Steps into the Shadow.”** Grief, she acknowledges, can often feel isolating, but with the support of loved ones, the burden becomes easier to bear. Phoebe hopes that by sharing her story, she can encourage others to reach out for help when they need it and to recognize the strength that comes from relying on a caring community.
Moshupa’s rich cultural heritage has also been a source of comfort and pride for Phoebe. Growing up in a village steeped in tradition and history has given her a strong sense of identity, something that has helped her stay grounded during the most challenging times. The rituals, values, and stories passed down from generation to generation remind Phoebe that she is part of something bigger—a legacy that will continue to support her as she moves forward in life.
Phoebe has big dreams for the future. While writing has become a deeply personal passion, she also has ambitions in the world of modeling. For her, modeling is another form of self-expression, one that allows her to embody confidence and tell stories through movement, style, and presence. It’s a world in which she can explore her creativity in a different way, while also building her sense of self-assurance.
Looking ahead, Phoebe hopes to combine her love for writing and modeling to create a platform for raising awareness about causes close to her heart. One of those causes is mental health, particularly for young people who, like her, may be navigating difficult emotions such as grief or loss. She believes in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging open, honest conversations about emotional well-being. By sharing her own experiences through writing and public platforms, Phoebe aims to inspire others to seek support when needed and to remind them that it’s okay to ask for help.
Phoebe is also passionate about youth empowerment. She hopes to use her platform to uplift young people, especially girls, and encourage them to pursue their dreams with courage and determination. Whether through writing, modeling, or other creative outlets, Phoebe believes that every young person has the potential to make a difference in the world, and she wants to be a part of that movement.
Ultimately, Phoebe’s goal is to publish a series of books that resonate with young audiences, offering relatable stories of identity, resilience, and personal growth. She hopes to inspire a new generation of readers to embrace their emotions, face their fears, and find strength in their unique journeys.
At just 11 years old, Phoebe Sewawa Jacobs has already faced some of life’s most profound challenges. But through her experiences with grief, loss, and growth, she has discovered her passion for writing, a form of expression that has allowed her to heal and find her voice. Her journey, reflected in her book **”Steps into the Shadow,”** is just beginning, and she is excited about what the future holds.
With a strong sense of community, cultural heritage, and the love of her family, Phoebe is determined to use her talents in writing and modeling to make a positive impact on the world around her. She carries with her the lessons of resilience, hope, and identity that come from both the light and the shadows, and she looks forward to sharing those lessons with others, one step at a time.
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