Growing Young Environmental Stewards With the Ami Series: A Tale of Literacy and Sustainability
By Ami Dovene Christelle ZAMI, Bolingo Consult
The environment is deteriorating rapidly due to various interconnected social-ecological challenges, including climate change and widespread air and water pollution. The discussion on climate change and environmental sustainability is critical but often limited to adults in formal settings. What if we began this conversation with children, instilling environmental awareness from a young age in a way that connects with their culture and roots?
The Ami Series by Ami Dovene Christelle ZAMI, published by Bolingo Consult in December 2022, is a beacon of hope for young readers. Emphasizing environmental stewardship, the book is available in English, French, Arabic, Swahili, Ewe, Twi, and Zulu, promoting both environmental awareness and mother tongue literacy among African children..
The Magic of Environmental Education in Children’s Literature
Children’s literature has a unique power to inspire and educate young minds. The Ami Series exemplifies this by taking readers on a journey where environmental heroes are born. Each story is designed to engage children with relatable characters, vivid illustrations, and narratives that simplify complex environmental issues.
From global warming and pollution to tree planting and reducing carbon footprints, Ami’s adventures guide young readers through environmental challenges, teaching them to care for the planet in a fun and simple way.
The Ami Series Supply Chain
The Ami Series goes through several stages from concept to delivery:
● Concept and Creation: Inspired by the desire to address complex environmental issues through engaging storytelling, author Christelle Dovene Zami crafted narratives that highlight the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of protecting the earth. The characters and stories inspire young readers to take action in their communities, fostering responsibility and empowerment while promoting mother tongue literacy. Environmental experts reviewed the book to ensure the stories are both engaging and factually accurate while the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) reviewed and approved it as a supplementary reading material in Ghanaian schools
● Illustration and Design: The illustrations bring the stories to life, with artists using digital tools to vividly depict Ami and her adventures. The design process is eco-conscious, utilizing digital proofs and minimizing physical prototypes to reduce environmental impact.
● Printing and Production: The Ami Series is printed on recycled paper using non-toxic inks. The printing process itself is optimized for energy efficiency, and any waste generated is carefully recycled.
● Distribution and Delivery: Getting the books into the hands of young readers is a crucial step. Bolingo Consult partners with bookshops, local community development organizations and NGOs, Philanthropists, Members of Parliament, and Schools to make the book accessible to learners. Books are delivered in bulk to reduce the carbon footprint of individual deliveries.
Lessons from the Ami Series Supply Chain
● Local Partnerships: Collaborating with community development organizations and NGOs has enabled widespread distribution in remote Ghanaian schools.
● Community Engagement: Partnering with local NGOs for International Mother Tongue Day events has promoted environmental awareness and mother tongue literacy through educational activities and book donations.
● Education Through Entertainment: Simplifying complex issues through storytelling and establishing reading groups in local languages like Twi and Ewe helps children understand and engage with environmental topics.
The Future is Here!
The Ami Series is more than just a set of stories. It's a movement towards a future where children are not only aware of the environmental challenges we face but are also equipped to take action. By blending the power of storytelling with the importance of mother tongue literacy, the Ami Series is nurturing a generation of young environmental stewards who are deeply connected to their cultural roots and the world around them.
As we continue to face global environmental challenges, initiatives like the Ami Series remind us that change begins with education, and education begins with stories that touch the heart and mind.
Stay tuned to the Global Book Alliance for content like this guest blog and more!