How can a seasoned geologist explain climate change to kids and how can kids understand such an intimidating concept?
Through a children’s book and an interactive art exhibit.
Over the weekend, listed natural resources development company Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), in partnership with The Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development (CANVAS), successfully held #AralLakbay which combines the power of storytelling, art, and history.
The event was held at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila, where CANVAS has an ongoing exhibit entitled 20 Years of Art and Stories. It showcases different art pieces from their various artist-collaborators, some of whom have also partnered with them in the illustration of children’s books.
“Our founder, Manuel B. Zamora, believes in the importance of education. He said that it is the greatest equalizer for it gives people a chance to improve their lives and their families,” said JB Baylon, NAC Senior Vice President for Sustainability, Risk, Corporate Affairs, and Corporate Communications. “When we learned that CANVAS is turning artworks into books, we thought to partner with them because we share the same values.”
Aral Lakbay brought together employees of the NAC Group and their children for a program that began with a talk on climate change with geologist Dr. Alyssa Peleo-Alampay, PhD, who is also the author of the children’s book I am the Change in Climate Change.
The discussion was followed by a read-along session, an engaging question and answer activity, and an interactive tour of the CANVAS exhibit.
“I like how projects like this raise awareness in the youth, and the topic of climate change is especially important to understand given the recent flooding we’ve been experiencing. I also liked the paintings and the messages they convey. Sometimes pictures, sculptures, and paintings convey messages that parents may find difficult to communicate with their children,” said NAC Assistant Vice President for Health Dr. Bimbo Almonte, whose son, Lucas, was a participant of the program.
“The activity was amazing, and I learned about global warming, how to take care of the earth, and I usually learn about the history of other countries, but I liked learning about our history for a change,” said 10-year-old Harold James Casiano, son of administrative assistant Liza Casiano.
“I Am the Change in Climate Change” authored by Dr. Alyssa Peleo-Alampay.
The experience continued outside the CANVAS exhibit hall with a guided tour of the National Museum of Fine Arts. This activity provided a unique opportunity for children to connect the lessons of literature and art with the Philippines’ vibrant cultural and historical heritage.
“We work with writers and artists para mamigay sa kabataang nangangailangan ng libro. We have a target of giving away one million books and we have passed the halfway point at 500,000+ books given away, and a lot if it was made possible with supporters like Nickel Asia. We have a literacy crisis in the Philippines which is what we’re trying to address – to help as many children as possible, not just to read, but to learn to love books,” said CANVAS founder and Executive Director Gigo Alampay.
CANVAS is a non-profit organization that promotes children’s literacy and appreciation for Philippine art and culture by publishing and donating visually rich story books that explore themes such as national identity, environmental stewardship, and social issues.
Beyond Aral Lakbay, NAC, through its philanthropic arm, the NAC Foundation, supports CANVAS and its mission to bring art and literature to children through storytelling and creativity to nurture future generations.
