SauraMandala Foundation | Centre for Accelerated Development

How can storytelling change the way we address sensitive issues in rural communities? At the recent TFFP Summit, we explored the power of culturally nuanced stories to make conversations about adolescence and sexual health feel natural and impactful. Discover how humor, relatable characters, and thoughtful narratives are transforming public messaging and creating safe spaces for discussion in Meghalaya—and beyond. Read this and more in our revamped e-newsletter e[CO]system. Scan the QR or follow the link: https://lnkd.in/gsGbFpwv #newsletter #design #designthinking #projectdesign #healthcare #ecosystem #stoties #cultural #contextual

On October 22, 2024, the Forgotten Folklore Project of Sauramandala Foundation celebrated two incredible years in Meghalaya This special summit marked the completion of 45 contextual storybooks for children, with a total of 135 books in translations. The event brought together a vibrant community of writers, illustrators, animators, translators, and other partners who contributed to this beautiful journey. From heartfelt experience sharing and book readings to engaging panel discussions and exciting activities for children, the summit was a celebration of creativity and collaboration. This after movie captures the essence of the day, showcasing unforgettable moments, laughter, and the collective spirit of everyone who made this project possible. Dive into the magic of storytelling and the joy of community through this visual journey! Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/gzjuPbWg #TFFPSummit2024 #KeepingOurFolkloreAlive #CulturalHeritage #EarlyChildhoodEducation #TogetherWeGrow #earlychildhoodeducation #preservingtraditions #theforgottenfolkloreproject #meghalaya #NortheastIndia #celebratingchildhood #childrensbooks 

Studies, such as Paley’s research in the U.S. and the U.K., highlight storytelling as a vital learning tool, helping children construct narratives and express individual ideas within a social framework. By emphasizing familiar cultural and environmental elements, storytelling aligns with Lev Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), where learning is amplified when it connects to a child’s lived experiences and play, fostering a democratic and collaborative classroom culture. In early education, contextual stories also support young learners in coping with complex issues, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, where storytelling was used to help children process challenging emotions and understand new realities. NAEYC emphasizes how storytelling, even virtual, strengthens resilience, as children can see their experiences mirrored and gain reassurance from familiar, relatable narratives. The Northeast, like much of India, faces notable FLN gaps in early education, especially in rural and remote areas where curriculum materials may not be locally relevant. Contextual stories play a crucial role in bridging these gaps, as research shows that learning is enhanced when children engage with characters, settings, and narratives that reflect their real-life experiences and environments. Such stories foster cultural pride, contextual understanding, and stronger language skills, empowering young learners to connect with their education on a personal level. With the launch of The Forgotten Folklore Project Fellowship across all the states of the North-East we are trying to take our learnings, processes from our work in Meghalaya and hoping to find pathways to working with the early childhood, FLN and pre school policies in the NER. Exciting next few months for this project. Lanuangla Tsudir Samuel Kharsohnoh Nazarene Jyrwa SauraMandala Foundation | Centre for Accelerated Development

The Forgotten Folklore Project launched the TFFP Fellowship 2024 today (28th October 2024), marking another milestone for our organization and team. This launch initiates TFFP's journey of piloting its concept in seven new states: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Recently #TFFP completed its two-year mark since inception, and after successfully creating 45 contextualized storybooks for children in Meghalaya, it now aims to extend this model to these new regions. A cohort of 16 fellows—writers and illustrators from these seven states—joined us today. Over the next six months, this talented group will delve into the art of storytelling and culture, crafting stories and illustrations that preserve and celebrate the rich traditions, heritage, and knowledge of Northeast India. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll create. Let’s make magic together! #fellowship #storytelling #storybooks #writers #illustrators #northeast #assam #nagaland #manipur #mizoram #sikkim #tripura #arunachalpradesh

Multiple positions are now open with our Chief Minister's Youth Centre team here in Meghalaya. We are growing fast, and we need a team who brings in the energy and ideas to help us in this journey. Swipe to know more about the positions. To apply or read the full JDs, scan the QR or follow this link: https://bit.ly/CMYCHirings Project DEFY Government of Meghalaya #hiring #jobvacancy #job #hiringnow #meghalaya #youth #ruraldevelopment

Multiple positions are now open with our Chief Minister's Youth Centre team here in Meghalaya. We are growing fast, and we need a team who brings in the energy and ideas to help us in this journey. Swipe to know more about the positions. To apply or read the full JDs, scan the QR or follow this link: https://bit.ly/CMYCHirings Project DEFY Government of Meghalaya #hiring #jobvacancy #job #hiringnow #meghalaya #youth #ruraldevelopment

On October 22nd, 2024, we celebrated our incredible journey in Meghalaya, gathering over 200 passionate individuals, all driven by a shared dream: transforming early childhood education in the state. In the two years since our project took off, we've achieved what we set out to—creating 45 brand-new, beautifully contextual storybooks for children in Meghalaya! Along the way, we crossed paths with so many brilliant minds, both local and from afar, who helped us at every step. Together, we built a vibrant community of creators and experts and got solid backing from government departments too! This summit was all about celebrating that hard work—and so much more! We had the honor of hosting Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister of the Arts & Culture Department and Social Welfare Department, and Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister of the Health & Family Welfare Department. Plus, there were officials from the Government of Meghalaya, along with representatives from the Meghalaya ECD Mission, MEGHALAYA BASIN MANAGEMENT AGENCY, the Education Department (SSA & DERT), the Social Welfare Department, Meghalayan Age Limited, the State Resource Centre for Disability Affairs, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts(IGNCA). And of course, our fantastic collaborators—writers, illustrators, animators, and translators from Meghalaya and beyond—joined in the celebration! The day was packed with excitement, featuring inspiring speeches from our guests, two dynamic panel discussions, and the absolute highlight: a super fun storytelling session followed by a sing-along that had all the children joining in. #TFFPSummit #TheForgottenFolkloreProject #wrapup #childrensbooks #2024 #explorepage #fyp #celebratingculture #preserveheritage #earlychildhoodeducation #educationmatters #celebratingchildhood

Hon'ble Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, and Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, honored our TFFP Summit as the Guest of Honour In her address, she spoke about how the Forgotten Folklore Project and its stories have immense potential to raise awareness on sensitive issues such as health. #TheForgottenFolkloreProject #TFFPSummit #childrensbooks #earlychildhoodeducation #ecd #contextualcontent #health #adressing #sensitiveissues #meghalaya #storybooksforkids 

On October 22nd, 2024, we celebrated our incredible journey in Meghalaya, gathering over 200 passionate individuals, all driven by a shared dream: transforming early childhood education in the state. In the two years since our project took off, we've achieved what we set out to—creating 45 brand-new, beautifully contextual storybooks for children in Meghalaya! Along the way, we crossed paths with so many brilliant minds, both local and from afar, who helped us at every step. Together, we built a vibrant community of creators and experts and got solid backing from government departments too! This summit was all about celebrating that hard work—and so much more! We had the honor of hosting Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister of the Arts & Culture Department and Social Welfare Department, and Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister of the Health & Family Welfare Department. Plus, there were officials from the Government of Meghalaya, along with representatives from the Meghalaya ECD Mission, MEGHALAYA BASIN MANAGEMENT AGENCY, the Education Department (SSA & DERT), the Social Welfare Department, Meghalayan Age Limited, the State Resource Centre for Disability Affairs, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts(IGNCA). And of course, our fantastic collaborators—writers, illustrators, animators, and translators from Meghalaya and beyond—joined in the celebration! The day was packed with excitement, featuring inspiring speeches from our guests, two dynamic panel discussions, and the absolute highlight: a super fun storytelling session followed by a sing-along that had all the children joining in. #TFFPSummit #TheForgottenFolkloreProject #wrapup #childrensbooks #2024 #explorepage #fyp #celebratingculture #preserveheritage #earlychildhoodeducation #educationmatters #celebratingchildhood

Another step towards collaboration in building climate-resilient enterprises in Meghalaya. We are glad to be a part of this 2-day event and have fruitful discussion that will guide our steps towards this shared goal. https://lnkd.in/g3U4euin