UNDP launches illustrated children’s book on 17 young Bangladeshi changemakers for free

The UNDP, Bangladesh e-launched an illustrated children's book titled Transformers for free amid the Covid-19 outbreak in the country, a press release said.

It also started a book reading competition for children from all schools as part of the launch campaign.

Transformers is dedicated to the stories of 17 young Bangladeshis whose works impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In light of the global pandemic, the book was launched online, making it free to download for all children, the release adds.

Part of the launch campaign is the reading challenge, where readers are asked to complete an online quiz and for successfully passing it are awarded a hard copy of the book, which will be delivered once the restrictions are eased.

The quiz is open for any and all children. 

Transformers is the product of an over two-month-long nationwide search for Bangladesh's most exemplary youth changemakers, the press release says, adding that from almost 200 nominations, 17 'transformers' were chosen in late 2019.

With three rounds of shortlisting, the book was edited, curated and illustrated by Implementation Partner HerStory Foundation. 

According to the release, Transformers features 17 young Bangladeshis "whose work is innovative, altruistic, community-focused".

It includes the story of Mahmud Hasan Tabib & Rana, also known as the rap duo Gully Boy, whose lyrics address the pressing issue of poverty; Ikram Uddin Abir, founder of Procheshta Food Bank which distributes leftover meals to the needy; Kamruzzaman Shadhin, an artist that created a dolphin-conservation boat; and Farhana Rashid or 'Toilet Apa' an architect who installs women's public toilets for women in Bangladesh, among more stories.

Joining the virtual launch, Sudipto Mukerjee, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, said, "The Transformers e-book can potentially help turn a distressing time for both parents and children, into an opportunity for young readers to learn and engage in meaningful activities, such as reading. In this time of extended stay at home, I hope the magic of these stories will inspire the readers to cultivate their own dreams into reality,"

Zareen Mahmud Hosein, founder and ED of HerStory Foundation, said, "During these challenging times, we need to find constructive ways to keep children engaged. The Transformers e-book will not only encourage reading, but will also inspire children to aspire for greater heights, and find hope and joy in the heroic stories of Bangladeshi youth, especially at a time like this when they need it most."

The book can be downloaded in both Bangla and English for free. Log in to UNDP Bangladesh's page for more information.