Sekolah Rendah Pehin Dato Jamil

11/14/2024

The Proudest Blue

The Honey Bookstore hosted a prestigious event with U.S. Ambassador Caryn McClelland as the Guest of Honor. Ambassador McClelland kicked off the day with an exciting storytelling session, joined by Sally Hani, founder of Honey Bookstore. The event also featured a Character Design Workshop led by Tina Afiqah, an illustrator and author at Parabelle Studios. The dynamic event was emceed by Alya Insyirah, alumna of the Academy Women Entrepreneurship 2024, and saw the participation of 150 students and 6 volunteers.

About the book

A Story of Hijab and Family is a children's picture book by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly. Inspired by Ibtihaj's own experiences wearing a hijab, the story follows two sisters, Asiya and Faizah. Asiya proudly wears her hijab for the first time, but Faizah worries when classmates make unkind remarks. Asiya's strength and confidence in the face of bullying teach Faizah the power of pride and self-respect.

U.S. Embassy Ambassador Caryn McClelland truly brought the event to life with her infectious enthusiasm and engaging presence. During the storytelling session, she wasn't just a speaker but an entertainer, connecting with the children through playful expressions and interactive moments. Her willingness to involve the kids in the story, encouraging them to share their thoughts and reactions, created a lively and memorable atmosphere that left a lasting impression on everyone.

Tales of Pride:

Weaving Stories, Building Bonds

The storytelling session with U.S. Embassy Ambassador Caryn McClelland, alongside Sally Hani, was a highlight of the event, captivating the children and making it an unforgettable experience. Her Excellency encouraged the children to share their thoughts, ask questions, and become part of the narrative, making the session feel like a lively, collaborative experience. Together, they made the session not only entertaining but also meaningful, highlighting the importance of culture, family, and pride.

Game Time!

The event also featured an exciting gameshow segment that had the students buzzing with energy and anticipation as each round was filled with laughter and eager hands raised, as the students competed for a chance to win one of the many prizes up for grabs.

In total, 10 lucky participants were awarded prizes, adding an extra layer of fun and friendly competition to the event. With every correct answer, the excitement grew, making the gameshow a lively and memorable highlight of the day.

What is it like to make a book?

The Character Design Workshop, led by Tina Afiqah, the founder of Parabelle Studios, offered an exciting opportunity for children to step into the roles of both illustrator and author. As an illustrator and author herself, Tina shared her creative process, guiding the children through the journey of bringing characters to life using sketches, expressions, and thoughtful design elements. By the end of the session, the children were brimming with excitement and pride, having had the hands-on experience of storytelling and character design, all while unlocking their own creative potential.

STORYTELLING AT THE WATER VILLAGE

Testimonials

Its amazing to see the students' excitement as they explored stories beyond their academic syllabus and brought characters life through their drawings. Moments like these remind us how meaningful it can be for students to feel supported and acknowledged by new faces, it sparks a special potential.

Ahmad Zahid

Volunteer

The students were so enthusiastic and love to participate in creative drawings. Loved the enthusiasm so much!

Dania

Volunteer

I had a great time there as the children werent that boisterous and the children were really collaborative about the activities!

Dalily

Volunteer

Since 2011, the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), funded by the U.S. Department of State, has supported over 500 alumni-led projects that foster global collaboration, strengthen ties with the U.S. government, and benefit communities worldwide. Notable alumnae such as Sallyhani Hazman, alumna of the YSEALI Academic Fellowship Spring 2019, and Tina Afiqah, alumna of the Academy Women Entrepreneurship 2023, have leveraged this opportunity to create impactful initiatives. One such initiative, the Storytelling Adventure at the Water Village, is a series program hopping from one school to the next in the area, bringing storytelling and creative workshops to local communities. This event came to life thanks to a grant from AEIF 2024, demonstrating the fund's role in empowering alumni to drive meaningful change.