Tania Omotayo, a writer and an entrepreneur, has urged writers and publishers to always infuse cultural awareness in books to inspire children to embrace the diverse and positive aspects of their cultures and heritage.
Omotayo, who said this during the launch of her book titled ‘Sarai’s Culture Day,’ in Lagos recently, pointed out that the book was inspired by her 3-year-old daughter, Sarai.
She said that Sarai’s Culture Day was written with the intent to help tell a positive story to the young generation.
According to her, Sarai’s Culture Day is a book written to teach children their cultural heritage, with a different approach.
She described the book as a practical demonstration of how to catch them young in a cultural awareness and integration sense.
Omotayo said that internet information sharing has created a natural vacuum in the minds of children who had not been taught the positives of their own cultures.
She further said that the natural effects of western culture have greatly impacted indigenous cultures which the book hopes to correct.
“I always encourage young people to know that they are unique and perfect in their own ways. The same goes for cultures. We are all important in the grand scheme of things, irrespective of race, religion, and culture. This is why we must always uphold and promote our cultures as Africans,” she said.
Read also: Ngozi Zoe Adebiyi launches second book Growing!
She further said the book aims to reconnect young Africans in the diaspora to their cultural roots, adding that it will also encourage schools across Europe and Africa to have their own Culture Day.
Oladele Olafuyi, chief executive officer of Kunda Kids said ‘Sarai’s Culture Day’ is the 12th children’s publishing book it has launched.
Olafuyi advised that children should be encouraged to embrace their culture, which positively impacts how they see themselves and embrace others too.
He said the book illustrates to parents and teachers how to embrace their culture by connecting through cultural items such as music, fashion, food, and history.
“Sarai’s Cultural Day as a well-illustrated, easy-to-read book touches on soft critical skills such as kindness, advocacy, self-acceptance, and anti-bullying,” he added.
