The stories we read or hear as children shape our world view. Engaging children in storytelling is an effective tool to convey values, beliefs and attitudes. Based on the premise that storytelling sessions are a tool both to look inward and see outward in post-conflict societies, Writing Doves seeks to enhance Sri Lankan young learners’ intercultural understanding through a literature-based approach. Inaugurated in 2019 by Dishani Senaratne, Writing Doves is a non-profit initiative supported by the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka’s Small & Mighty grants program administered by Sri Lanka Unites.
In November 2019, a trilingual children’s book titled My Best Friend Next Door was launched by Dishani Senaratne. Subsequently, a series of children’s storytelling sessions were conducted in Vankalei and Arippu in Northern Sri Lanka. With the outbreak of the pandemic, Writing Doves had to temporarily put on hold in-person gatherings. While digital peacebuilding gathered momentum, Writing Doves identified that relying solely on the internet for peacebuilding is neither realistic nor inclusive. Using the novel approach of a surprise box which contained a range of children-led activities that could be done within the confines of their homes, Writing Doves distributed surprise boxes to raise awareness among children about Sri Lanka’s ethnic and religious plurality.
Taking a step further, this year, Writing Doves designed and distributed activity books that included numerous children-led activities that could be done within the confines of homes for an extended period of time.
In addition, a virtual festival of children’s storytelling sessions was held in September 2022.
Follow the Writing Doves Facebook page for future updates: facebook.com/WritingDoves/
To read/download e-books, visit the website of Writing Doves: www. writingdoves.lk
Small & Mighty is funded by:
