CONDITIONS FOR CREATING ILLUSTRATED STORYBOOK ON LEARNING COVID-19 FOR MUSLIM CHILDREN IN THREE SOUTHERN BORDER PROVINCES

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the conditions for the creation of illustrated storybook about Covid-19 for Muslim children in the three southern border provinces. Purposive sampling was used for participants selection. Data were collected through focus group discussion and in-depth interviews. Eighteen participants consisted of Muslim community leaders, religious leaders, academicians, public health professionals, citizens, and youths. To ensure data validity, triangulation methods were employed. The data were analyzed, concluded, and presented and through descriptive analysis.

            Research identified five key conditions for creating illustrated storybooks about Covid-19 for Muslim children in Thailand's three southern border provinces. Firstly, considering both religious sensitivities and the context of Malay Muslim culture, creating these fairy tales should utilize the Melayu language, or the Yawee dialect. The character's clothing should incorporate elements that showcase the local culture's identity. The character's Malay name is chosen to represent their locality. The characters can serve as representations of Muslim traditions that connect to Islamic principles. Secondly, content conditions should present both positive and negative aspects. The content, while carefully addressing the issue of beliefs, should ultimately reflect religious perspectives. Malay culture and content should be authentically represented by the Malay community. Next, language use should reflect the local context, prioritizing local Malay dialects, Middle Malay, and Thai as appropriate. Also, illustrations should depict the geographic setting, highlighting the environment, community resources, cultural practices, knowledge systems, and faith traditions that shape Muslim Malay identity. Lastly, participatory communication processes play a significant role in shaping children's learning outcomes.