Children's books: A bridge to promote cultural and educational exchange between Vietnam and New Zealand

In the context of Vietnam and New Zealand celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations, the event “Little Hands - Big Maui” at École Nicolas brought a new approach to educational cooperation between the two countries, which is cultural connection through children's books.

Taking place on December 5 at the École Nicolas Education System (Long Bien, Hanoi), the event is a typical example of this cooperation. Organized by École Nicolas in collaboration with TIMES and the New Zealand Embassy in Vietnam, the program to launch the book Tales of Maui and Maori Myths opened a multi-layered cultural exchange space, in which books are not only read and displayed, but also become the starting point for a comprehensive cultural experience for children.

Panorama of the event “Little Hands - Big Maui” at École Nicolas Education System, Hanoi , December 5.

The launch of "Tales of Maui and Maori Myths" in a space recreated as a "miniature Maori world " opens up opportunities for Vietnamese children to experience New Zealand culture in a visual, vivid and inspiring way. This is also a testament to the power of children's books in fostering intercultural understanding from the earliest years.

The special feature of the event is that the entire school space is "transformed" into a miniature Maori world, where Pania coral reefs, primeval forests, oceans and typical Maori motifs are vividly recreated in the style of artist Peter Gossage, author of the book.

Thanks to that, Vietnamese children do not just open the pages of a book but also step into the story itself, meeting the half-human, half-god hero Maui and the gods in New Zealand legend. Culture is no longer an abstract concept but becomes close and tangible through observation, touch, interaction and imagination.

Ms. Rebecca Wood spoke at the event.

The exchange atmosphere became even more meaningful with the participation of New Zealand Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam Rebecca Wood, who gave a speech sharing the importance of Maori mythology in early education and the role of indigenous stories in nurturing national identity.

At the event, Ms. Rebecca Wood also shared a very interesting detail: “The original book 'Tales of Maui and Maori Myths' was published exactly 50 years ago, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and New Zealand”. A beautiful coincidence like a cultural gift!

Her direct reading of an excerpt from the book to the children created a special moment of intersection: Maori story, New Zealand voice, Vietnamese young eyes. This combination not only brought about an emotional learning experience but also affirmed the power of storytelling culture in cross-border education.

The Nicolas children were read an excerpt from “The Tale of Maui and Maori Myths” by Rebecca.

In addition to the goal of promoting books and Maori culture, the program also included volunteer activities when Deputy Ambassador and student representatives Nicolas presented books to ethnic minority children from Son La in the project "Little Hands".

The gift of succulents that Nicolas sent back to the Deputy Ambassador was a gentle message about respecting nature, a core value present in Maori culture and also a symbol of strength and hope. The simple gesture of giving and receiving, but expressed the spirit of sharing and the beautiful connection between children of two different cultural regions.

Children next to pots of succulents in the "Little hands" project.

Once the launch is over, the cultural exploration continues with creative activities like coloring Maui, assembling mythological puzzles, drawing illustrations, or trying your hand at pulling the sun, a famous symbol in Maori legends.

These experiences not only nurture children's imagination and aesthetic sensibilities, but also demonstrate how a children's book can be a multifaceted educational material, incorporating art, language, and cultural understanding.

She and her students at École Nicolas participated in the game "Pulling the Sun".

The “Little Hands - Big Maui” event demonstrates a strong message: Children's books can act as a strategic bridge in educational cooperation between Vietnam and New Zealand.

Indigenous stories, when introduced into schools through creative storytelling, have the potential to help children develop language skills, symbolic thinking, compassion, and respect for cultural diversity. At the same time, this is also a foundation for expanding teacher-student exchange programs, and publishing collaborations between the two countries in the future.

Children participated in activities at the event together.

When Maori books come to Vietnamese children, it is not just a children's work that is released, but a door is opened, a door that brings Vietnamese children closer to the world, to nurture today's "little hands" to become confident, empathetic and creative global citizens of tomorrow.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/sach-thieu-nhi-nhip-cau-thuc-day-giao-luu-van-hoa-giao-duc-viet-nam-va-new-zealand-336758.html