Malta UNESCO Youth Association launches 'Eleo and the Bubble Planet'

The Malta UNESCO Youth Association, today launched the children’s book ‘Eleo and the Bubble Planet’, a book based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted  by the UN General Assembly on 10 December, 1948.

The event was held this morning at De La Salle College under the patronage of Hon. Minister Dolores Cristina.

This book tells the story of Eleo, a young boy who lives in the ideal planet of Bubble-onia where the people have managed to live in harmony with each other for many, many years. However, unfortunately, the planet does have other problems and together with Eleo and his grandfather Bobbla, we will find out how they live on the planet and what the people of Bubble-onia intend to do to overcome their challenges.

The project saw the group, all volunteers, go beyond what they thought they were capable of. A creative process that was time and energy consuming. Coming up with the character, the story and putting it down on paper was the most challenging part of all. However through several workshops and endless meetings, Eleo and the Bubble Planet was born.

The project received funding by the European Youth Fund, Council of Europe and the Malta UNESCO Youth Association has worked with international partners  from Estonia, Slovenia and Bulgaria in the implementation of this project.

During her address during the event, The Hon. Minister Dolores Cristina praised this initiative and the efforts of the volunteers to create a simple story that is accessible to the young citizens of today. She also mentioned the draft national children’s policy that was launched last November and stressed the importance of the protection of young children and the accessibility of emotional support for young children.

“We look forward to seeing this book becoming popular with the children in the school library. We encourage educators to allow this book to assist them when discussing human rights with their young students. We hope that all the concepts that one finds in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be understood, internalised and practiced in real life by our young citizens who in just a few years will be themselves the backbone of our society and the drivers

of change with their well being and courageous behaviour” said Sarah Suda, President of the Malta UNESCO Youth Association.

During the launch three copies of the book was distributed to each primary school in Malta and Gozo. H.E Maltese Ambassador for UNESCO Mr. Ray Bondin and the Commissioner for Children Helen D’Amato were also present for the book launch event.

The book launch was proudly supported by; Kristal Fine Table Water, Cappy Juices, Nestle Nesquik Cereal and Ftira Cafe.