Happy Kids and Frieda Observes World Book and Copyright Day

United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Windhoek’s continuous educational reading session of ‘Frieda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ opens children to new horizons. It helps them to think outside of the box, unknowingly engaging with the outside world towards the achievement of the SDGs.

The story telling moment at Happy Kids in the informal settlement in Katutura proved to be a well-received learning lesson. Most importantly, Frieda took another group of children on her fun adventures whilst sitting with the story book open on their laps.

Ms. Anthea Basson, Head of the UNIC Windhoek noted, “for decades the value of books has helped shape the human experience, aiding to share ideas, obtain information, and inspire admiration for different cultures. Our mission with our storybook Frieda is to ignite a love for reading, an appreciation for books and create meaningful conversations around the SDGs for children.”

Close to 150 children participated in an interactive and fun reading session lead by the UNIC team. The children, aged 5 to 6 were eager participants as the UNIC team read with actions and engaging movements throughout the story, involving the children every step of the way. Using ‘Frieda’ as our vehicle, we lay the foundation for the Sustainable Development Goals discussing No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Wellbeing, Gender Equality, Quality Education and Responsible production and Consumption.

When Frieda learns about SDG 3 “Good Health and Wellbeing” for example, it is coupled with demonstrations on exercises and fun ways to stay fit and active, and what it means to be healthy. “It is essential to get down to the level of each child. We target children from as young as 5 years, and  to understand SDG 3 for example, we make simple, yet relatable ways for the children to connect to the concept,” said Welda Mouton, who lead the reading at Happy Kids.

Each child received their own copy of the story book. For some of the children, it is the first storybook they have ever owned. Taking the book home enables the children to share their knowledge with their families and community. Books create opportunity for dialogue and interaction, and this is exactly what took place at Happy Kids as the young children identified with the illustrations in the book and the UNIC team guided them to make observations and conclusions related to the SDGs. 

In a digital age, books still have a prominent place in society. Books stimulate our creativity, enrich our imagination and grow our knowledge. Books can teach us about our world and how to make it a better place. Promoting the values of reading is empowering especially in Namibia, where the Ministry of Education and its partners are actively working to nurture a reading culture in schools and ECD centres across the country. 

Happy Kids is an Educational Child Development Centre located in Katutura a township. The classrooms is structured with corrugated iron catering schooling for children form the age 1 to 6 years old. A lush garden of succulents maintained by the teacher’s creates a beautiful learning environment. And the tippy taps outside the classrooms encourage handwashing to improve health and personal hygiene.

About UNIC Windhoek:

The United Nations is a firm supporter of developing the literacy of Namibian Youth and introducing them to the pleasure of reading. The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Windhoek has been a driving force in this mission as the Centre produced the successful Frieda and the SDGs children’s book and serves as a founding member of the African Chapter of the SDG Book Club, which promotes African literature that introduces children to topics of sustainable development.

About World Book and Copyright Day:

23 April is a symbolic date in world literature. It is the date on which several prominent authors, William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. This date was a natural choice for UNESCO's General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone to access books. For this reason, World Book and Copyright Day is commemorated on 23 April every year.

Learn more about World Book and Copyright Day here: https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldbookday