Presentation Schedule
How to Stop a Train: Teaching Social Justice Through Children’s Literature (96047)
Session Chair: Manana Gelasvhili
Thursday, 2 October 2025 17:30
Session: Session 3
Room: (B1) Gòtic
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
Social justice education is crucial for fostering a more equitable and inclusive society. This paper explores the use of children's literature as a powerful educational tool, focusing on Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings as a lens for understanding racial injustice. It examines how Gandhi's early encounters with discrimination shaped his philosophy and advocacy for racial equality in South Africa. To this end, this paper details the development of the children's illustrated book “How to Stop a Train: The Story of How Mohandas Gandhi Became the Mahatma” addressing the need for accessible educational resources on social justice. It discusses the conceptualization and collaborative process of creating the book, highlighting the role of illustrators and writers in crafting narratives that resonate with both young and adult audiences. Lessons learned from teaching social justice through Gandhi's story are examined, including its impact on children's comprehension of racial injustice, as well as feedback from educators and parents, emphasizing the dual impact of children's literature in educating both children and adults. Furthermore, the paper explores strategies to extend the conversation on social justice beyond the book itself, such as the use of supplementary materials, community outreach, and empowering children to act against injustice. Ultimately, it argues for the transformative potential of children's literature in promoting intergenerational dialogue and fostering a deeper understanding of pressing societal issues like racial injustice.
Authors:
Kathryn Pillay, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
About the Presenter(s)
Dr Kathryn Pillay is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa
See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule
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