The Radiant Education Foundation, located in the harbor city of Kaohsiung, is dedicated to promoting environmental education. It connects various perspectives to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on marine sustainability. From 2024 to 2026, the foundation will launch a "One Book Per Year" picture book publishing initiative, exploring themes such as "Lagoon, Harbor, and Ocean Currents." This year, the foundation has partnered with the Dandelion Reading Promotion Association and the local non-profit bookstore, Little House Bookstore, to release its first ocean-themed picture book, "Come Play with Us." The book features illustrations by renowned artist Nan Jun and a story written by author Hsieh Ming-fang. Centered around the critical transition zone between land and sea—specifically, lagoons—the narrative presents a rich and engaging tale. Through this book, the foundation aims to rekindle the connection between adults and children to the ocean, fostering understanding, concern, and love for marine environments.

To maximize the impact of the picture book, the foundation is committed to expanding its outreach. Following the book's publication, copies will be donated to the libraries of 243 elementary schools in Kaohsiung, aiming to bring marine education to the children of this ocean city.Additionally, in August, the foundation will host a workshop for early childhood educators centered around the book. This workshop will feature engaging and diverse environmental education activities, along with resources related to the picture book. The goal is to empower teachers to implement daily marine conservation practices with their students upon returning to the classroom.

Starting in October, the foundation will collaborate with the Lee Ko-Yung Memorial Library in Kaohsiung to host an exhibition featuring the original artwork from the picture book "Come Play with Us." This exhibition aims to give the public a deeper understanding of the unique coastal landscape of lagoons depicted in the book. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about various ecological species and birds while reading, thereby increasing awareness of the importance of ecological conservation.

The exhibition will run from October 12 to December 1. To help the community connect more closely with the ocean, the foundation will offer courses to recruit and train "Radiant Little Water Drop Story Volunteers." These enthusiastic volunteers will share stories and guide visitors through the exhibition, conveying the spirit of ocean appreciation embodied in "Come Play with Us." Additionally, the foundation has organized visits for schools and groups, where volunteers will narrate the story from the picture book and guide attendees through the exhibition. The Radiant Education Foundation warmly invites everyone to join us at the lush Lee Ko-Yung Memorial Library for a wonderful journey to experience the beauty of the deep blue sea!

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