CAPE TOWN - “My Hero is You, How kids can fight COVID-19” is a brand new imaginative story developed to help children protect themselves and loved ones while managing emotions due to a changing reality in a Covid-19 stricken world.
The book was developed by Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings (IASC MHPSS RG) along with 50 humanitarian organisations including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organisation (WHO), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) - a
long with 1700 children and their caregivers from 104 countries who shared how they are coping during the pandemic.
It follows the consequences of national lockdowns on children and their feeling of helplessness during a time of global crisis through the main character Sara. It empowers young children through a fantasy creature called Ario and educates them on the Covid-19 pandemic without creating panic.
“Previous humanitarian emergencies have shown us how vital it is to address the fears and anxiety of young people when life as they know it gets turned upside down. We hope that this beautifully-illustrated book, which takes children on a journey across time zones and continents, will help them to understand what they can do to stay positive and keep safe during the coronavirus outbreak,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO commented on the book.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) praised the artists, publishers, and writers in their efforts to provide accurate information in a well-crafted narrative to comfort children in a distressing time.
The book is aimed at children between the ages of 6-11 and can be accessed
here
. It is available in 28 languages with more translated versions on the way.
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