WHAT WE DO
We create storybooks addressing peace , diversity , tolerance , gender equality , women empowerment , environment , and child rights . We currently have 22 books originally written by Myanmar authors and illustrated by Myanmar artists . The books are originally written in Burmese and translated into 11 different Myanmar languages . Our books are colorful and they reflect our culture as well as teach important lessons .
Photo by : Third Story Project Myanmar school kids happy to get their new book .
We use very simple words to cater to our target audience which are kids under ten . The messages are subtle and in this way , we get kids to think critically about issues .
We believe in the power of art to spark something in children that could inspire them to want to take action and change their surroundings . Our stories are forms of art and it is our hope that our storybooks can reach as many children as it can .
To encourage critical thinking and discussion , our stories have questions at the end of each book . To facilitate this , we encourage our volunteers to read them and engage the children by discussing the questions .
While some volunteers get along well with children immediately , others are not very comfortable working with them . To resolve this , we provide storytelling trainings for
Photo by : Third Story Project Third Story Project produced books
them .
In 2016 , we had a chance to invite Sam Reiff-Passarew from the Story Pirates in New York , to conduct a story writing training for our team and volunteers . We have since used their methods to teach children and youth how to creatively develop their own stories . From over 200 stories , we selected four of them as our new books to be published .
By April 2017 , we will have 26 storybooks . We are planning to create more by the end of the year .
Photo by : Third Story Project More kids enjoying their new book
HOW TO REACH OUR GOALS
Most children in Myanmar have never had a colorful book of their own . We want to give them books that they will love and feel connected to .
While we can always apply for grants to distribute free books all over Myanmar , we find that this is difficult . To be more sustainable , we had to gain profit from our books . In early 2016 , we decided to register as a company and publisher . Today , we have become self-sufficient .
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