CHILDREN’S BOOK FOR PEACE
By Teng Mangansakan
Do not interrupt when somebody is talking. Do not cut down trees unnecessarily. Use handkerchiefs instead of tissues. Ensure safety in the neighborhood. Respect yourself as a human being, give yourself a moment of peace. Respect others by not gossiping about them. Promise not to get irritated for at least once a week.
These are among the 99 ways to promote a culture of peace. Simple, yes. But make a children’s book based on each individual premise. Challenging, eh.
The University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato invited Sarah, myself and Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, one of the prominent figures in children’s literature in the Philippines, for a two-day workshop on children’s literature as a tool in the promotion of a culture of peace. We’ve just finished the morning session of Day 1. I am exhausted after a two-hour talk. About 200 eager participants in the room. Whew! Thank heavens it’s a cloudy day. Luis will have the whole afternoon. I will be vending his books. 288 copies at 40 pesos each. A real bargain.
I am having my third cup of coffee for the day. Sleepy. I almost slept three hours this morning. Procrastinated for the past few days. Crammed last minute to finish a 50-page presentation. Waiting for the participants. They’ll be here in 45 minutes. Maybe I should nap a little, or take Red Bull. am incoherent, listless. I am reverting to childhood.
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