TFFP summit highlights cultural storytelling’s role in early childhood education in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 23, 2024

The Sauramandala Foundation hosted the Forgotten Folklore Project (TFFP) Summit 2024 on October 22, bringing together over 200 stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and creators, to celebrate a major milestone in early childhood education. The summit marked the completion of two years of work in preserving Meghalaya’s cultural heritage through 45 contextualized storybooks and 135 translations, drawing from the rich folklore of the Khasi, Jaiñtia, and Garo communities.

The event showcased the project’s impact on transforming early childhood education in Meghalaya, using storytelling as a tool to foster creativity, critical thinking, and cultural connection among young learners. The summit featured panel discussions, interactive sessions for children, and inspiring talks that sparked new ideas for education reform.

Distinguished guests included Paul Lyngdoh, Minister of Arts & Culture and Social Welfare, and Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, who shared their support for the project. Attendees also included representatives from the Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission Society, Meghalaya Basin Management Agency, Education Department (SSA & DERT), Social Welfare Department, Meghalayan Age, State Resource Centre for Disability Affairs, and collaborators such as writers, illustrators, animators, and translators.

A key highlight was a lively panel discussion on the impact of these storybooks on Meghalaya’s education system. Experts also explored the intersection of policy and storytelling, emphasizing the importance of culturally relevant content.

Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh praised the project for its potential to raise awareness on sensitive issues through storytelling, stating, “Thank you for creating these jewels of information in the form of these storybooks. Let’s do something greater; let’s invest in the right direction.”

Paul Lyngdoh emphasized the significance of preserving cultural stories, saying, “Stories like this are important to let people know of the diversity we hold as a society in Meghalaya. What would have been forgotten will now be remembered through TFFP.”

A children’s storytelling session also captivated young attendees, showcasing the educational power of local folklore.

Another panel focused on the collaborative process behind the storybooks. Authors, illustrators, and cultural experts discussed how they ensured cultural accuracy, and the transition from digital to print publications.

The summit concluded with a commitment to continue using storytelling as a transformative tool in early education, ensuring children in Meghalaya remain connected to their cultural roots while embracing modern learning.

Nagakarthik MP, Founder of Sauramandala Foundation, remarked, “The first two years of this journey were just the beginning. We’ve built a vibrant community around contextualized storytelling for early childhood education, and this network will help us expand our efforts on a larger scale.”