Book draws out Brazil's clean water project

At the libraries of 10 public schools in Brazil, a new book that examines how a desalination project enhances local life is hugely popular among students and their parents.

Donated by the project's operator, State Grid Brazil Power Participations, the bilingual book in Chinese and Portuguese consists of three stories each narrated from the perspective of three villagers from different generations, sharing the benefits and changes brought by the project.

Inspired by the true stories during Jin Xiaoyu's journey last year to Joao Camara, a municipality in Rio Grande do Norte in northeast Brazil, the 40-year-old author explores the friendship between China and Brazil behind the charity project.

The desalination plant can provide, on average, 80 metric tons of purified water daily to local communities through the 5,000 kilometers of water transmission pipes.

"I'm really touched by the project and its benefits and want to let more children from the two countries know about its meaning through these stories," Jin says, adding that the book series was released in August to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil.

Following the text's completion, three Brazilian illustrators — Susan Chou, Vitor Rocha and Leticia Graciano — brought the narrative to life through their artwork. Despite their distinct styles, the vivid illustrations capture the exuberant Brazilian culture through vibrant colors.