The Government of Palau along with UNICEF and NABU recently launched a story book called “The Virus-Stopping Champion: Pacific Islands Edition” to help aide the children of Palau during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
According to UNICEF, one of the greatest challenges that children are facing in the Pacific is understanding and coping with the changes brought by the global pandemic while continuing on with their daily lives.
“The Virus Stopping Champion” shows a child superhero who learns how to stop the spread of COVID-19 so that she can keep her community safe.
The goal of the storybook is to provide accurate information about COVID-19 to children as well as enhance the need to protect themselves and their families during the global pandemic.
NABU Executive Director Tanyella Evans said that “we are seeing a lot of misinformation and confusion about the COVID-19 pandemic”
She went on to say that the book was “crafted by health experts and illustrated by an artist from the Pacific Islands, this story provides valuable information for children everywhere and delivers a message of unity, love, and hope in these uncertain times.”
In his statement, Minster of Education Sinton Soalablai said “We appreciate the support of UNICEF and donors, and we will do all that we can to ensure our children understand this COVID-19 pandemic and help them keep safe.”
Minister Soalablai also talked about the importance of educating children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is important that our children learn about COVID-19 and what they can do to protect themselves and their loved ones.” He said.
UNICEF Pacific Representative Sheldon Yeets said that “We are proud to be working together with the Government of Palau, development partners, and NABU to launch a COVID-19 children’s book specifically developed for children in this region.”
The Virus Stopping Champion: The Pacific Islands Edition is written by Hilary Rogers and illustrated by Duke Lawalevu.