More than 50 esteemed organizations around the world will conjointly publish a book to help children understand and come in terms with COVID-19. Organizations working in the humanitarian sector such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund, Red Crescent Societies, Save the Children, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Federation of Red Cross are a few names to mention.
The fictional creature Ario, “My Hero is You, How kids can fight COVID-19!” will explain children about protective measures to fight against COVID-19. At the helm of this initiative is the mission to support children, their friends and families faced with an unprecedented crisis emerging from COVID-19 lockdown.
To prepare its content, the scriptwriter has infused input given by approximately 1700 children, teachers, parents and caregivers from across the world. Shared during the initial stages of the pandemic, the records hold exception value for actualization of the book. Illustrator and scriptwriter Helen Patauk in collaboration with the entire project team is responsible to make the book comprehensible to children belonging from different cultural backgrounds and continents.
“Previous humanitarian emergencies have shown us how vital it is to address the fears and anxiety of young people when life as they know it gets turned upside down. We hope that this beautifully-illustrated book, which takes children on a journey across time zones and continents, will help them to understand what they can do to stay positive and keep safe during the coronavirus outbreak,” quoted Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization
Already translated into six languages, the book will be translated further for better circulation. About 30 versions in different languages are awaiting publication. The book is accessible as an e-book and audio book.
The book can be downloaded from here
“UNESCO is proud to support this initiative and we see this as an example of the contribution of the artistic community to the well-being and resilience of all.” Audrey Azoulay, Director General, UNESCO.
