Mirrors and Windows: Nurturing Passion and Ambition Through Representation on the Page
PresentationEibhlin San Ying Lim, Shameer Bismilla
Festival Pass| Festival Talk Pass
What do children gain when they see themselves on a page? This session explores how books are mirrors, windows and sliding doors that nurture children’s self-empowerment and empathy by allowing them to see themselves and understand others. It discusses the importance of representation, the role of parents and educators in reading communities, and how storytelling can inspire ambition and imagination. The session will also offer practical ways parents, educators, and librarians can embed authentic reading practices in classrooms, libraries, and homes, to nurture passionate young readers.
readingworldbuilding
Eibhlin San Ying Lim (Malaysia)
Eibhlin is on a mission to change the life narratives of one million youths—one story at a time. Frustrated by the lack of relatable role models, she began cold-calling global leaders in high school, sharing their journeys through a newsletter that grew to 7,000 weekly student readers. To reach underserved youth without Internet access, she published The Phoenix Perspective—an award-winning book read by 2,500+ youths in over 30 countries. Eibhlin has shared her story on global stages including TEDxYouth@Tokyo, National Taiwan University, and NUS, inspiring young readers to dream boldly and shape brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
Shameer Bismilla (Singapore)
Shameer Bismilla is an early childhood and primary school teacher, currently teaching at the German European School, Singapore. With a Master’s degree in Education from the Nanyang Technological University, he has more than 25 years’ experience in curriculum planning, English as a Second Language (ESL), coaching, teacher mentoring and classroom management. He is passionate about promoting literacy and a love of reading in children. As an Associate Lecturer at the National Institute of Early Childhood Development, Singapore, he conducts regular workshops on professional development for teachers. He has also co-authored two picture books – The Boy and the Box and The Girl and the Box. His new Picture book is Zakee and the The Quiet Magic of Being You.
Programme dates and times are subject to change.