Criar com Histórias promotes balance between technology and reading

The “Criar com Histórias” initiative, hosted at the Fundação Fernando Leite Couto on September 5, brought together parents, educators, artists, and children to discuss balancing technology use with reading and traditional play in child development.

Promoted by APER Marketing, the event aimed to sensitize families to the need for moderating screen time to support cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Jónia Presado, Executive Director of APER, emphasized the importance of conscious technology use and the value of recreational activities, art, and sports. She noted that the type of content children access is as critical as the duration of screen exposure.

Portuguese writer and teacher Selma Santos, the event's keynote guest, advocated for reading as an essential tool for human connection and imagination. The program included reading sessions, traditional Mozambican games led by Arone Bila, and a book exhibition by Santos. Approximately 60 participants attended the event.