VERNACULAR storybooks that teach children traditional values and morals could become an early tool to tackle crime, drug use and other social problems in iTaukei communities, says illustrator Anare Somumu.
He made the comments at the iTaukei Language Literacy Through Short Story BookLab Talanoa, where authors, curriculum advisers and illustrators are developing stories aimed at primary school children.
Mr Somumu said the country’s social problems highlighted the need to start addressing these issues while children were still young.
“If you look at society, most of the woes point a finger at the iTaukei community,” he said.
“If you see crime, the majority is committed by iTaukei. If you go to the prisons, the majority are iTaukei. If you see drugs, you’ll see that iTaukei are involved.”
Mr Somumu said while changing adults could be difficult, literature could help shape the values and behaviour of the next generation.
“I believe writing books or producing books could be a way for us writers and illustrators contribute towards these issues from a very early age.
“It’s a bit hard to change those who are now adults, but for the next generations, we need to do this more.”
He said the books should not be limited to teaching children to read and write in vosa vakaviti, but should also instil values and morals.
“Not only write books for them to learn vernacular reading but also instil values and morals in the stories so that it also helps build our children.”
Mr Somumu, one of the illustrators selected for the project, will develop illustration briefs for the stories on the final day of the BookLab.
He said the books could also strengthen iTaukei identity by reconnecting children with traditional stories, legends and cultural knowledge.
