Children’s literature festival ends: Call to use power of pen to change world

LAHORE: Children’s Literature Festival (CLF) wrapped up at Children Library Complex here on Wednesday with children’s participation and agency being the most vibrant aspects of the fun-filled event. The two-day event organised by civil society organisation Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) and sponsored by different foundations.

On day two, Amjad Islam Amjad visited CLF as a special guest and engaged with the kids on the importance of literature and creative writing. He also distributed his signature pens as a souvenir for young writers and encouraged all the aspirants to use the power of pen to change the world.

“This is not co-curricular activity but Children's Literature Festival is Mainstream Curriculum” said Minister Food Punjab Sami Ullah Ch. He said: “CLF is not a co-curricular activity but mainstream curriculum where -reading, creativity, science, maths, heritage, technology, theatre, music and movement is being promoted for making "Learning" happen. When a child learns in this mode, she/he never forgets, the dots begin to connect- the truth begins to illuminate-this is an unforgettable and largest learning event for children that I have ever seen,” The second day’s morning session saw main ground packed with children who were being entertained by Nonverbal storytelling session through animations by Fauzia Minallah followed by Sing along session with Khaled Anam, wonderful puppet show by Rafi Peer that was the main attraction of children and theater workshop by Atif Badar.

Bano Qudsia room had several panel discussions in which one of the sessions was about Child protection “Hamari Hifazat Kaun Karay Ga”. During the discussion CLF Ambassador, famous host and panelist of the session Juggun Kazim, ardently stressed on the rising concerns and alarming cases of Child abuse and how we all need to knit together against it.

The room titled Karwan-e-Iqbal had sessions through the day varying from storytelling to talks on Truck Art, Craft and Literature and innovative approaches to learn poetry. Suno Kahani Meri Zubaani was also there that was the main attraction to promote Urdu as a language alongside giving children valuable input on morals and ethics. Faiz Ghar Auditorium had theater performances by Sanjan Nagar School, puppet show by Alif Laila, drum circle, theater performances by kids, theater competition by Khaled Anam. While in Waris Shah ki Baitthakki Baithak OUP had a full-day activity on the art of bookmaking.