Last Friday, the Children: Our Voices and Innovators for Development or COVID Book was launched in partnership with the Council for the Welfare of Children – Official (CWC) during the Culminating Activity of the 2020 National Children’s Month.
Partner individuals, organizations, celebrity child guests, and some of the children and youth writers and illustrators were able to partake in this meaningful event. The book launch narrated the hard work and dedication of the children and youth of Good Neighbors Philippines in creating the 10 original children’s books mirrored on their experiences in the time of the pandemic.
It was graced by the Department Manager of Good Neighbors PHL on behalf of Mr. Daehyun Kim, the Country Director of Good Neighbors International Philippines.
Mr. Alfredo Santos, the mentor who has trained the children and youth how to write a picture book, has shared how this Book Development Project unfolds the greatness and potential of the children even through an online platform and at these challenging times. Ms. Jovan de Ocampo, member of Ang Illustrador ng Kabataan, and one of the mentors in Book Illustration have also shared how their fears and dedication in illustrating became a tool to create their storybooks.
Furthermore, some of the writers and illustrators were given the opportune time to share how the creation of these books helped them cope in a stressful situation like the COVID-19. They are Madel Esona of Sitio Bakal CDP in Quezon City; Mary Joy Robles of Pugad-Tibaguin CDP in Hagonoy, Bulacan; and Quemh Altamera, and John Lloyd Galdo of Aguinaldo CDP in Laak Davao de Oro.
Celebrity guests, Xia and Baste, have read the stories Si Pilo, Ang Batang Bayani (Pilo, The Young Hero), and Superhero, which are part of the collection of 10 children’s books. Right after the storytelling session, they were able to articulate their understanding, connection, and reflection on the stories they have shared and read.
Good Neighbors Philippines is beyond grateful to all the people behind this project! Now is the fruition of all our combined efforts together with our main actors, the children, and youth. Indeed this Book Development Project highlights the talents and skills of our future generation of writers and illustrators.
Please avail and support our books! The proceeds of these books intend to mobilize funds that will benefit the marginalized children and communities of Good Neighbors Philippines. We will soon announce the availability of the books and where you can buy this COVID Book!
Please continue supporting the Filipino Children! 💚
