Expo celebrates the diversity of cultures with a collection of children’s stories from around the world

Dubai releases the book “Children from Around the World”, which includes a collection of traditional children’s stories and folk tales that celebrate the diversity of our planet on the occasion of International Literacy Day, which the world celebrates on the eighth of September of each year.

Through stories, poignant graphics and cultural diversity, the digital collection of 24 timeless stories becomes Expo 2020’s gift for children and families wherever they are.

Many of the stories in the book, chosen from the contributions of the more than 190 countries that will participate in the Expo, are in fact stories that have been passed on for generations. A team of young creatives from every country from which a story appeared in the book, along with professional illustrators and animators from Expo 2020 and around the world, worked on preparing the stories for the audience.

The stories were chosen to help children between the ages of five and twelve to explore surprising differences and shared values, expand their worldviews, have a greater appreciation for their heritage, and develop a love for reading. This collection demonstrates how Expo 2020 provides an opportunity for each participating country to present the best of its culture, while inspiring young minds and stimulating curiosity in future generations.

We have a long history and culture of stories, and we are happy to share one of our most famous stories with the world, ”said Ken Buonsamy, Commissioner General of Mauritius at Expo 2020 Dubai. The Mauritius team organized a competition to select a young local artist to draw up the drawings for the story titled “The Legend of Peter Booth and Santaka”. The task force, in which 20 children aged between 10 and 14 years participated, was presented to a select committee consisting of artists and representatives of the National Art Gallery, the National Art Fund and the Economic Development Board of Mauritius. The photographer’s work was prepared by 12-year-old Ohas Dokhi.

Manuela Garcia Pascal, Director of the Department, International Participants at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai attaches great importance to the role of young people in shaping society and the future. The contribution of international participants such as Mauritius helps empower youth and provides them with a platform to present their creativity and talents through art. Really inspiring. “

He added, “This is a good opportunity to greet and thank all the young people who took the opportunity to participate in this wonderful competition. We also thank the Mauritius Economic Development Fund for its role in enabling young people to tell one of the most wonderful stories of their country, the story of the legend of Peter Booth and Santaka. We look forward to more.” To be dazzled by this story, and also by the Mauritius pavilion when the Expo begins in October 2021. .

Amanda Tomlinson, Senior Manager, Products, Office of the General Manager, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “This digital collection of magical stories helps children discover new cultures and authentic values, while adults can relive their childhood stories.”

She added, “With the efforts of storytellers, designers, illustrators, animators, editors and creative writers at Expo, a group of children’s stories selected from some of the countries participating in the Expo has been prepared in order to provide a comprehensive initiative that starts from the Internet and ends in the imagination of children and their families from all over the world.”

Expo 2020 Dubai, the first edition of the International Expo to be organized in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, will take place over a period of six months from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The international event will coincide with the celebration of the golden jubilee of the founding of the UAE, and will highlight the role of the state. As a global hub for communication between people, ideas and innovation.