A children’s book telling the tale of an Eritrean refugee and based on a true story will soon be available in every primary school in Malta and Gozo.

The book, Kidane – Ġrajja ta’ Tama, was written by children’s author Clare Azzopardi and illustrated by Marisa Attard. An English version, translated by Albert Gatt, is also available.

Based on the testimony of Goitom Yosief, the colourful 45-page book describes Kidane’s experience of fleeing conflict, crossing the desert and sea before entering Europe as an asylum seeker.

“It is not easy for people like me to share our stories with those we don’t know,” Mr Yosief, who runs the Jesuit Refugee Service’s school outreach programme, told guests at the book’s launch last Wednesday.

“But the more schools I visit and the more children I speak to, the more convinced I am that more people need to share their stories and speak out,” he said.

Mr Yosief had one overarching hope for the book: “I hope it will help children understand there are stories, individuals and aspirations behind people like me who come to Malta.” The book launch was preceded by three days of activities at Safi primary school, including art workshops, storytelling sessions and an interactive play directed by Malcolm Galea.

Every primary school in Malta was invited to send students to the build-up activities, with some 450 primary students taking part. Jesuit provincial Fr Paul Pace augured the book would appeal to Maltese people’s sense of compassion and justice.

“We are not a rights-based society but we are very generous with those in need. If people become more aware of refugees’ plight, they will be more ready to help them access their rights.”

Each primary school in Malta and Gozo will be receiving two copies of the book to keep in their school library. Students taking part in the JRS school outreach programme will also get their own copy. Copies can be obtained from JRS Malta by e-mailing info@jrsmalta.org.