Sauramandala Foundation’s The Forgotten Folklore Project (TFFP) announces the launch of the ‘TFFP Fellowship’ in 7 states of Northeast India.
Building on our learnings and experiences in Meghalaya from the last 2 years, we are expanding TFFP and inviting writers and illustrators from the rest of the region to join us in the mission to document local practices, traditions, and stories, create authentic, contextual storybooks for children, and address Early Childhood Development (ECD) needs.
The Forgotten Folklore Project (TFFP), launched by the Sauramandala Foundation in 2022, has been a cultural bridge, addressing the lack of contextual content for children in remote and indigenous communities of Meghalaya. With 45 storybooks published and translated into three regional languages, Khasi, Pnar, and Garo, and animated videos produced, the TFFP is now expanding its mission to other Northeastern states through this 6-month fellowship program.
About the Fellowship
The lack of contextual content for Early Childhood Education (ECD) is common across all states, and Northeast India is no exception. This fellowship aims to address this gap and create contextual content for the children of this region. The goal is to create well-illustrated storybooks, preserving local stories and traditions while also addressing the Early Childhood Development needs. These storybooks will enable new conversations, foster cultural pride, and promote Early Childhood Development (ECD).
7 states to be covered as part of the TFFP Fellowship
What we are looking for:
We are calling for passionate writers and illustrators from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura to collaborate on documenting and curating contextualised content for children, in the form of children’s storybooks. You will not only be preserving stories but also making them visually captivating and culturally significant for the next generation.
Who is eligible to apply for the Fellowship?
The TFFP Fellowship invites applications from aspiring writers with a strong passion for storytelling, a connection to their cultural roots, and experience in writing for children or in folklore research. We extend our invite to illustrators who can visually interpret and enhance narratives, with a focus on cultural accuracy and engaging visual storytelling.
Why should you Apply?
Creative Collaboration: You will work with a diverse group of writers, illustrators, and cultural researchers to bring traditional stories to life.
Cultural Impact: You will help contribute to preserving the rich cultural heritage of your own respective states and building shareable content in the Northeast Indian region, by creating stories for children that reflect the unique history, values, and traditions of your community.
Professional Development: The fellowship offers mentorship, training, and the opportunity to have your work published as part of a highly regarded project.
Financial Support: Each fellow will receive ₹25,000 per month over the 6-month fellowship period.
This is a very good project.
I am really interested in learning the practices of rural folks.
Mr. Puanthanlung