#plainink

[engagementdesign-blog]

Storytelling Across Cultures

Illustrated books are a great way to reach children. This is probably why Plain Ink decided to use this medium to promote multiculturalism, as well as help educate children in under developed countries.

The project begun in Italy, which lacked illustrated children’s books with multicultural themes despite welcoming the fourth highest number of immigrants in Europe each year. Using the power of storytelling, Plain Ink’s illustrated books spread the message of intercultural mutual respect and acceptance. But Selene Biffi, the founder of Plain Ink, did not stop there. Using the profits from the first book sales, she produced The Village Changemakers, a comic released in India, aimed at teaching children about personal hygiene, food security, clean water access, sanitation and communicable diseases prevention. Reaching out to local doctors, teachers, development experts and of course children the project was a success. Such a success in fact that Plain Ink is now producing illustrated books for Afghanistan as well. Biffi hopes that increasing awareness and educating children will make a significant difference to increasing the rate of development in these countries. Plain Ink has managed to spread its message across two continents; reaching and educating children of different cultures and educational backgrounds. It is truly interesting to see that the powers of storytelling can reach so many people despite any differences in cultural background. In other words, the power of a story can move and inspire across any culture boundaries.