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Comics crossing cultures – Strips from Nepal and Finland

In January young Nepalese people participating in an environmental education project learned how to make wallposter comics in a workshop. They also received greetings from their Finnish peers in the form of comics on the same theme. Comics created by young people from both countries are now published in a book titled Comics crossing cultures - Strips from Nepal and Finland.  

What concerns do young people in have about their local environment?

The comics in Comics crossing cultures provide a glimpse of how young people in Nepal and Finland experience problems in their local environment and violations of their human rights.

The wallposter comics drawn by young Finns were created during a course entitled "Human rights, the environment and comics" at the Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Visual Arts.

The Nepalese strips were drawn by 12-18-year-olds participating in an environment-themed development cooperation project. Project costs are covered by funds raised in the ODW Finland campaign during the 2004/2005 schoolyear as well as development cooperation funds granted by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

A comic strip is an excellent communication tool

Wallposter comics are made by ordinary people. Often informative or educational, they address issues local people find important.

Nepal is one of the countries where wallposter comics are used. Nature club members learn how to make comics in workshops and use comics to provide information about topics such as recycling, environmental conservation and children's rights to local young people and other villagers. Their comics are published as wall newspapers displayed on the walls of schools and other important buildings. Comics allow young people to express major issues in a way that is bold and interesting.

Orders

You can use Comics crossing cultures to spark classroom discussions about environmental and human rights issues or inspire pupils' own wallposter comics. Book is in Finnish and English. To order copies free of charge email tilaus@taksvarkki.fi