Books, dolls, and toys shape how children understand the world and how they see themselves within it. They can empower children and convey diversity—but they often don't reflect the true diversity of our world. At the same time, the conditions under which they are produced—whether fair and sustainable or under precarious conditions—often remain hidden. How can global contexts and empowering stories be combined so that children experience diversity as a matter of course while simultaneously developing an awareness of justice?
Nadeesha Madushani (Product Developer at Selyn, Sri Lanka), author and publisher Dayan Kodua (Gratitude Verlag), and Anastasia Panagiotidis (Internationaler Kinderladen Altona) will discuss this topic. Together, they will discuss how toys and books for children can build bridges to a more just world.
The event takes place as part of Fair Week 2025 and will be accompanied by a stand of the Alternative Welfare Association (SOAL).
Nadeesha Madushani is a product developer at the fair trade social enterprise Selyn in Sri Lanka, which produces textiles and toys, including the Diversity Doll Collection—"my dream job," she says. Diversity is a trademark for Selyn.
Dayan Kodua is an actress, speaker, author, and founder of Gratitude Publishing. She is committed to raising the profile of people of color and empowering children. Her books include the picture books Odo (2019) and Odo and the Beginning of a Great Journey (2021).
David Amoateng is the founder of Little Ashé GmbH, the first Afro-German toy manufacturer. With his organic rag dolls, manufactured fairly in Ghana and available in a variety of skin tones, he makes diversity visible and promotes self-identity and diversity in every child's room.
Anastasia Panagiotidis is part of the management team of the International Children's Shop, where she is passionate about diversity-sensitive education for children.
Moderator: Aileen Puhlmann is a board member of Lemonaid & Charitea eV and advocates for power-critical international cooperation. She also founded "Community Kids," a parent-child initiative for Black parents in Hamburg.
Admission is free – we welcome professionals, parents, and anyone interested. No prior registration is required.
Selyn
