MANILA, PHILIPPINES – UN SDSN Youth Philippines’ pioneering initiative on COVID-19, entitled the Interactive Philippine Dashboard (http://covid19.sdsnyouthph.org), has served as a global model for youth-led knowledge management. This project has ensured that young people all over the country remain informed and prepared for all the adjustments necessary in light of the current pandemic. SDSN Youth recognizes the pressing need for similar efforts, as young people are often left in the dark during crisis events such as this one. In line with this, ‘At Nabuhay ang Magagandang Salita’, a storybook on COVID-19 catered to young children, is proudly endorsed and supported by members of SDSN Youth.
Kids of all ages are at risk of being the major victims of the COVID-19 crisis. Whether they are safe from the virus’ health effects or not, the crisis has a significant impact on their overall well-being. And this is where parents, guardians, and other family members are called to take action, that is, to talk to them and help their little ones understand the unprecedented times. But how does a family deal with the realities of a pandemic in a way that children feel safe and not more worried in the current situation?
In a children’s book entitled, ‘At Nabuhay ang Magagandang Salita’, author Genaro R. Gojo Cruz introduced a child’s perspective and the importance of every family’s role to children during an Enhanced Community Quarantine or a ‘lockdown’ because of COVID-19. The book tells the story of Sevy, a boy who learned the importance of ‘lockdown’ and experienced the little joys of hearing the ‘magagandang salita’ from his family, which they barely say in their normal day.
The project was made possible through PAOWER Books, a flagship project initiated by Hon. Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V of La Union in partnership with Team Puso headed by Hon. Maria Mikaela Karita S. Mendoza, Board Member of Ilocos Sur and Leadership Council of UN SDSN Youth; Project PAOwer Pabasa at Kwentuhan sa Barangay; the Reading Association of the Philippines; Sangguniang Kabataan – CSFLU and JCI San Fernando – Saluyot. The COVID-19 related children’s books aim to somehow help kids relieve their fear during the pandemic by creating a safe space for them through literacy.
“Nagbigay sa akin ng ideya ang masasamang salita na kung minsan ay mababasa natin sa mga post sa social media. Sa panahon ng pandemya, naging libangan ngayon ang social media maging ng mga bata. Kaya nais kong iparating sa kanila ang kapangyarihan ng salita, na maaaring itong bumuo o magwasak sa ating pagkatao,” said Sir Gojo Cruz.
“Dahil ang mga aklat-pambata ay binubuo ng teksto at ilustrasiyon, nauuna muna ang hikayat sa mga bata na magbasa. Sunod nito ang mga impormasyon na mahalaga nilang malaman sa panahon ng pandemya. Nakukuha nila ang mahahalagang dapat gawin sa panahon ng pandemya habang panitikan ang kanilang binabasa. Alam nating ang panitikan ay may kapangyarihang salingin ang ating mga pandama. At iyon ang gusto kong magawa ng aklat na ito,” he added.
In the story, Sevy, like any other kids, experienced cancellation of classes, was hindered to leave the house and play, and has to go through other changes in his environment due to COVID-19. But despite the situation, he begins to hear, appreciate and value the words like “magtipid”, “mag-ingat ka”, “mahal ko kayo,” and “salamat”. Eventually, Sevy also learns the negative health effects of COVID-19 to a person as well as why he and his Kuya Q needs to take measures like washing hands to keep them safe from virus. More so, Sevy also learned the importance of saying those words and promised to continue using them with or without the ‘lockdown’.
According Sir Gojo Cruz, Sevy’s character was inspired by Ortega’s youngest son, whom he took perspective in order to reach the understanding of a child. “Di pa niya alam ang ibig sabihin ng lockdown pero habang natututuhan niya ito, nalalaman naman niya ang magagandang salita sa loob ng kanilang tahanan,” he said.
PAOWER Books has also launched another story called ‘Sa Bayan ng Anihan’ as one of the two COVID-19 related children’s books published by the project. It tells the importance of unity in outweighing the COVID-19 crisis.
The virus does not choose the age, group, or situation a person has in inflicting harm to his or her welfare. It takes every family member’s and the public’s responsibility not to sow fearful information to the younger generation who are also dealing with the effects of the COVID-19. With kind, encouraging, and truthful words, we can help children, especially the Filipino children, get through this pandemic. SDSN Youth lauds this project and similar grassroots initiatives to bring more information on COVID-19 to the youth in engaging and entertaining ways.
To visit the most youth-friendly dashboard on COVID-19, visit http://covid19.sdsnyouthph.org.
Related article: UN SDSN Youth launches first youth-led knowledge platform on COVID-19
