ACED’s storybook entitled 'Blueplate' receives the Kids Choice Award at the 8th National Children's Book Awards

The Ateneo Center for Educational Development's (ACED) storybook entitled 'Blueplate' was among the finalists in the 18th Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards and was recognized by the National Book Development Board - Philippines at the 8th National Children's Book Awards. The storybook received the Kids Choice Award wherein a panel of children judges voted for their favorite picture books. The story of 'Blueplate' centers on a student's experience of eating nutritious meals as part of the Blueplate Feeding Program.

ACED shares this honor with the entire Ateneo de Manila University community, especially the community members who took part in developing 'Blueplate' - Didith T. Rodrigo, PhD (author), Marianne Salvania (illustrator), and Joseph G. Dela Cruz, PhD (translator). Dr. Rodrigo is a Professor at the Department of Information Systems and Computer Science and Head of the Ateneo Laboratory for the Learning Sciences; Ms Marianne Salvania completed a degree in AB Communication, Minor in Development Management in 2023; Dr. Joseph dela Cruz is the Filipino Subject Area Coordinator at the Senior High School.

ACED has long realized that a child's educational achievement is significantly compromised by hunger and malnutrition. Hence, in 2010, ACED embarked on the Blueplate for Better Learning Feeding Program - a large-scale in-school feeding program that aimed to help address this issue. ACED currently provides php120-food packs weekly to 2000 children and their families. These food packs contain root crops, vegetables, and fruits sourced directly from local farmers.

For more information on the 'Blueplate' storybook, you may email aced@ateneo.edu.

Photos courtesy of ACED