The Sunday Times Funday Times - Yuti - A fun magazine for kids

Yuti - the trilingual magazine for curious kids, Issue One and Two (themed Water and Colour respectively) were launched on September 21 at the Barefoot Gallery Café. Published and distributed by Sri Lanka Solidarity (SLS) - a local NGO supported by Solidarité Laïque, a French NGO already involved in seven other education related projects in post-tsunami Sri Lanka.

'Yuti' meaning 'unity' in Sanskrit aims to inspire, challenge and educate children by exposing them to knowledge to which they would otherwise have little access says, Carmen Perera, Editor. It will be distributed free of charge to children throughout rural Sri Lanka, with emphasis given to children who have recently suffered trauma due to natural disasters or armed conflict.

The contents of Yuti is essentially educational, though presented in a way quite appealing to kids and covers a wide range of topics such as, science, world history, nature, the environment, arts, sports, technology, fun facts and more. It's something entertaining and easy to read, with lots of pictures, puzzles, do-it-yourself projects and games to make it more interesting, and lots of useful things to learn and do. Yuti also places special emphasis on Sri Lanka's own rich and colourful history and cultural heritage.

The magazine is presented by two characters, Yuti and Ayu, who represent typical Sri Lankan kids, belonging to no particular ethnicity, religion, caste or social class, so any Sri Lankan child can identify with them. It's primarily designed with the hope of giving these kids something to take their mind off their troubles.

Yuti's fresh new approach to education, will not only be enjoyable to the kids themselves but can also be used as an educational tool by parents and teachers as they guide them along the path towards independent, informed and responsible young adulthood, says Philippe Fabry, publisher and founder of SLS.

Yuti also has a particular theme per issue, (e.g. 'Colour'), which comprehensively explores all aspects of the theme by covering the various topics, such as World News, Health etc., with relevant articles in keeping with the theme.

Even the standard chapters of the magazine will be in line with the specific theme of the issue. This includes an interview with a professional in the field, related facts on plants, animals, culture etc., So much so, that kids won't even realise they're learning something in the process.