THOMAS & THE REFUGEE
THOMAS & THE REFUGEE
jeanniejeanniejeannie.co.uk BLOG 25th October 2018
Social engineering! Thomas the Tank Engine’s new railway friend is a refugee from Kenya called Nia to teach younger viewers about equality and diversity
Not content simply with entertaining children, Thomas the Tank Engine is on much bigger mission – to be a ‘global force for good’.
The latest series of the animated TV programme features a female Kenyan train called Nia to teach young viewers about refugees.
A United Nations adviser worked on the storylines, helping to ensure greater equality and diversity on the fictional island of Sodor where the series is set.
The show has featured numerous characters from around the world including Ashima of India
Nia was first seen in August in a Thomas movie but joined the show permanently last month after losing her home and being displaced.
A United Nations adviser worked on the storylines, helping to ensure greater equality and diversity on the fictional island of Sodor where the series is set
UN women’s Africa programme adviser Tolulope Lewis-Tamoka told Radio Times she wanted the series to promote ‘leadership and economic empowerment’.
‘We see that Nia doesn’t have a home,’ she said. ‘So she has to stay in Sodor, where Thomas works side by side with her to get jobs done.
‘We’re able to bring the idea of a refugee into the mind of a young person without calling them a refugee – someone who looks different to you might end up being your neighbour and good friend.’
Yong Bao, from China, has also previously been featured on children’s show Thomas & Friends
Two favourite engines, Henry and Edward, are being moved to make way for Nia.
The show has featured numerous characters from around the world including Ashima of India, Yong Bao of China, Rajiv of India and Charubala, a female controller from India who cuts a far more slender figure than The Fat Controller.
The new Channel 5 series will be broadcast in more than 110 countries. It is said to have been warmly received by the family of Thomas’s creator, Rev Wilbert Awdry.
PS I just feel for Henry and Edward. Does that teach our children about another modern day phenomena?
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE FOR THE DAY
Two Things Prevent Us From Happiness: Living In The Past And Observing Others
HAPPINESS IS…
Happiness is…Thomas the Tank Engine
GRANDAD’S ONE LINER JOKE OF THE DAY
So much for Taylor Swift. She sent back my trousers unmended – Milton Jones
LOVE IS…
Love is… dancing cheek to cheek in the kitchen
TRACK OF THE DAY
Mary – Scissor Sisters
Highest Chart Position: No.14 23 October 2004
WHAT DAY IS IT?
25th October
International Artists Day
Sourest Day
Punk For A Day Day
World Pasta Day
Greasy Food Day
(No I ain’t making them up they are for real!)
©2018 Phil M Robinson & jeanniejeanniejeannie.co.uk