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Kinder (boeken) universiteit
After the quick introduction by the presenter Freek Braeckman, he quickly moved towards the children to get their questions for the speakers. Theresia Awagea an African from Cameroon origin among two others in a white population of more than 300 children among other adults was chosen to ask the first question.
The fact that a black African was selected to ask the first question was surely a sign of appreciation because for more than 300 children participating, only 3 were blacks or as the Belgians will put it, from sub Sahara Africa.
In her question directed to the writer Joke van Leeuwen, she wondered if the writer uses her imagination most of the time or if her stories were based on some personalities or a real event from her life?
The population was thrilled and gave a hand of applause as they awaited the speaker with enthusiasm for a possible response.
The writer first of all appreciated her questionnaire and went ahead to say that she uses both fiction and true events in her works stressing that every work is coupled with a special circumstance that motivates her.
With some selected few other children, questions were also directed to the kunstenaar and to the children’s’ right commissioner and one question that attracted a lot of attention directed to the commissioner was; Could you in your next gathering for children’s right make a request on our behalf to obtain more rights for the children. The hall exploded with laughter and excitement as they awaited the response from the commissioner.
Mr. Bruno Vanobbergen the children’s right activist could not help cover a smile as the audience listened with curiosity. He said jokingly that the plea was genuine but could be met with a lot of obstacles from parents who are already filing in complains that the children have been given too much rights and the committee should consider taking some of these rights off the table. The audience applauded with excitement and laughter to appreciate the contradiction of the response.
At the end, the atmosphere was very pleasant as the children rushed with pens and papers to their heroes for autography and to post for photos.
A reception was provided downstairs as everyone ate and drank with lots of interaction.
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