Da Lat's 'Window of Books' Nurtures Young Authors
Translated from Vietnamese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A library called "Ô Cửa Sách" in Da Lat, Vietnam, fosters creativity in children by integrating reading with real-world experiences.
- Led by former literature teacher Vũ Thị Thanh Tâm, the library encourages children to write and illustrate their own books, with some young authors achieving publication.
- Activities include nature walks for observation, gardening, and online sessions, transforming the library into a vibrant space for young creators.
Nestled amidst the pine forests of Da Lat, the "Ô Cửa Sách" (Window of Books) library offers a unique sanctuary for young minds. Unlike traditional libraries that demand silence, this space thrives on the energetic buzz of children engaged in creative pursuits. Former literature teacher Vũ Thị Thanh Tâm, the heart behind this initiative, believes that true learning comes from connecting books with life.
At "Ô Cửa Sách," children don't just read; they experience. Guided by educators and specialists, they embark on journeys into the surrounding nature, learning to observe the world around them, from the textures of tree bark to the growth of a tiny seed. These hands-on experiences fuel their imagination, enabling them to translate their emotions and observations into words and illustrations.
The library's most remarkable achievement is nurturing young authors. Through projects like "When Children Become Authors" and "COVID Through Children's Eyes," children have transformed their perspectives into published works. The "COVID Through Children's Eyes" collection, born from online discussions during the pandemic, even earned a place as a finalist in the Dế Mèn Awards, showcasing the profound creative potential within these young Vietnamese.
This approach challenges conventional notions of education, emphasizing experiential learning and empowering children to become active creators rather than passive recipients of knowledge. "Ô Cửa Sách" is more than just a library; it's a testament to the power of nurturing imagination and fostering a lifelong love for learning through a uniquely Vietnamese lens.
In Ô Cửa Sách, children are allowed to live with books, moving in and out between the pages and real life as if through a magical window from Doraemon's machine.
Originally published by Tuổi Trẻ in Vietnamese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.