An exhibition showcasing the power of children’s literature in promoting sustainability, health, rights and social issues is currently underway at the Raja Tun Uda Library in Shah Alam.
Dubbed ‘Jom Kita Bincang!’ (Let’s talk about it!), the initiative is spearheaded by Dr. Joachim Bergström, the Swedish ambassador to Malaysia, drawing inspiration from Sweden’s rich children’s literature tradition.
Running from Feb 27 to April 10 at the Raja Tun Uda Library, the exhibition is a joint effort by the Embassy of Sweden in Malaysia, the library and the Malaysia Board On Books For Young People (MBBY).
Featuring a Swedish Little Library offering newly translated Swedish children’s books in Bahasa Malaysia and two exhibitions connected to Astrid Lindgren, a renowned Swedish children’s author, the event opened with an academic forum on Feb 26. Workshops for children and parents are scheduled until March 1.
The opening ceremony was graced by Selangor Crown Prince Tengku Amir Shah, the exhibition’s patron.
Ambassador Joachim emphasized the transformative potential of children’s literature on society, advocating for values that foster respect for each other and nature to drive sustainable policies and behaviors.
“If we all grow up with stories valuing respect for each other and for nature, socially and environmentally sustainable policies and behaviours will naturally follow,” he said.
“Over the course of the Jom Kita Bincang project, we will explore how children’s literature can further the dialogue on sustainability, health, rights and social issues,” he added.
Tengku Amir highlighted the importance of instilling values early on in youth to address sustainability challenges effectively, stressing the role of open dialogue facilitated by children’s books in shaping attitudes and behaviours.
“The problems we face are problems because we care about the nature we stand to lose; we care about the better society we want to build.
“Without this pride, without appreciating the values we strive to preserve and further, we are left with despondency and inaction.
“This is especially true for our youth. The future is theirs – and its challenges will be theirs to overcome…we can inspire them, raise awareness, and equip them with the values and mindset they will need,” he said in his opening speech.
Children’s literature, he noted, serves as a conduit for knowledge and emotions, fostering open discussions and promoting positive change.
“In this way, children’s literature spurs open, active, and unprejudiced discussion.
“Also between adults, as we are doing today – Bincang. I like that word, for it connotes open, eye-to-eye, frank discussion on what we want to see changed.
“The importance of such dialogue can hardly be overstated. This is why I support this project,” he added.
The exhibition aims to inspire such dialogues and equip the younger generation with the necessary values and mindset to tackle future challenges.
