TO promote good literature among the children, the Penang State Public Library Corporation (PPAPP) together with Swedish Embassy organised the ‘Jom Kita Bincang!’ (Let’s talk about it!) programme.
The one-day programme was held at Penang Public Library (George Town branch) in Scotland Road recently.
Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee, who is also the PPAPP deputy chairman said the Jom Kita Bincang programme was focussing on promoting children’s literature from Sweden and Malaysia.
“Through this programme, we aim to harness the power of literature to educate and inspire young minds about pressing global issues.
“This programme also includes an exhibition, workshop, colouring competition, and forum as well.
“As an example, this programme also includes the workshop ‘Pages in Motion: Exploring Interactive Children’s Literature with Lova and Therese’.
“It features two experts from Sweden namely Ms Lova Berggren, a library educator and Ms Therese Flodqvist, a librarian from the Tranströmer Library team, Stockholm City Library.
“They narrated stories using Swedish books translated into Bahasa Malaysia and engaged in various activities catered to children and young adults,” she said in her speech before officiating the programme.
Also present were Swedish Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Joachim Bergström, Swedish Ambassador to Indonesia Daniel Blockert, Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen and PPAPP director Norlina Ahmad.
According to Heng, the programme is themed around sustainability, health, and social issues through children’s literature.
“After all, we want to introduce and educate children on these crucial topics in an engaging and accessible manner.
“By exchanging ideas and resources, we strive to create a platform where children can engage with diverse perspectives and cultivate empathy and understanding.
“Together, we will empower our young readers to become advocates for positive change in their communities and beyond,” said Heng.
Meanwhile, Dr Joachim said the Jom Kita Bincang initiative started in Selangor in February this year, continued to Kuala Lumpur and has now reached Penang.
“Some may ask why the Swedish Embassy is focusing on children’s literature. Well, as is often pointed out, children are the future.
“In Sweden, we have a long history of socially and environmentally conscious children’s books that have shaped our society of today.
“The society we have built reflects the values of these children’s books. From creativity, individuality, and diversity follows innovation, strong civil rights, and tolerance,” he said.
Dr Joachim noted that with reading among young people declining and the world facing many challenges, such as the threat posed by climate change, that will require us to fundamentally shift our mindsets, working with children’s reading and children’s literature is more important than ever.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal