Titled Menggapai Mentari (Reaching for the Sun) and published by Funtastic of Kelompok Kompas Gramedia, the book is written by students of Mentari Intercultural School Jakarta (SD MISJ) aged between 10 and 12 years old and aims to respond to diversity issues currently arising in Indonesia.

During a discussion held at the book launch, child and family psychologist Mira Amir said that parents who wanted to instill tolerance in their kids should begin by understanding and appreciating the children’s uniqueness so that they will grow to become confident individuals and know that being unique is not something to be judged or bullied.

Read also: Children’s book launched to promote Indonesian culture, wildlife

According to a press release, Menggapai Mentari is the fourth book released by the students of SD MISJ. Initiated by one of the school’s teachers, Pak Toro, as a way to gather the children’s writings, the first book was released in 2013.

In addition to donating part of the sales of the books to children’s education, the book is also being given to pesantren (Islamic boarding schools), churches, orphanages, elementary schools and reading parks across Indonesian cities from Aceh to Papua. The third book, titled Menabur Bintang (Sowing the Stars), has also been officially archived at the National Library of Indonesia and stored in 34 provincial libraries across the archipelago.

For the fourth book, of which 2,500 copies have been printed and is available at local bookstores, the MISJ team is holding a charity event named Mentari Berbagi where it invites the public to donate books that will be sent to reading parks. (kes)

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