Myitkyina, 20 January

The children’s literature festival was opened at the convocation hall of the University of Myitkyina in Myitkyina, Kachin State this morning in conjunction with a book fair.

The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Education and the Kachin State government. Union Minister for Information Dr. Pe Myint, Union Minister for Ethnic Affairs Naing Thet Lwin, Chief Minister of Kachin State Dr. Khet Aung, Deputy Minister for Information U Aung Hla Tun, Deputy Minister for Education U Win Maw Tun and six outstanding students cut a ceremonial ribbon to open the children’s literature festival.

Those present then took an opportunity to pose for a documentary photo and the speeches by the Union Ministers followed. The Kachin State chief minister then expressed words of gratitude and the deputy minister for education explained matters relating to the occasion. Traditional dances and songs were entertained by students and ethnic cultural troupes.

Activities such as story-telling and poem recitation competition, painting contest, literary talks, debates, sports and entertainment programmes will be staged along with elephant dance and puppet shows. In addition, a reading room for children and book showrooms will be open to bookworms during the three-day event.

The children’s literature festival is being opened to public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 20 to 22 January.—Than Lwin Oo (IPRD)

Translated by Kyaw Htike Soe