The Eugenio Trías Library, located in the heart of Madrid’s El Retiro Park, was the venue for the presentation of Shaka, the Pangolin, a new illustrated storybook written by María Díaz de la Cebosa, president of CIS University, the International Studies Foundation (ISF), and the NGO Cruzada por los Niños. The event brought together students from the Go American English program, participants in the Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James)2025 program, professors, collaborators, journalists, and the Consul of Brazil.
The event began with the screening of a short video about the origins of the story, which traces back to Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique. This place inspired the creation of a narrative that goes beyond artistic beauty to serve as a tool for raising awareness and defending nature. Following the video, a roundtable discussion took place featuring the author, María Díaz de la Cebosa; the book’s illustrator, Miguel “Ekim” Díaz; the director of ISF, Alfonso Barral; and Nacho Campo, coordinator of the NGO Cruzada por los Niños.
During the discussion, the speakers shared the creative and educational process that shaped the book, which centers on the pangolin, one of the most endangered species on the planet. The central message that emerged from all the interventions was both clear and hopeful: “Humans destroy, but they can also rebuild from their mistakes.”
Nacho Campo highlighted the value of the storybook as “an educational tool, a means of social awareness, and a way to preserve local cultural traditions.” For his part, Ekim explained that the book’s cover and back cover were selected through a drawing contest involving nearly 800 children from Gorongosa. The winners received two bicycles and two school scholarships. “The bicycle was no random choice,” added Alfonso Barral. “It represents mobility across long distances, respect for the environment, and a vision of hope. Because without nature, we are nothing.”
After the roundtable, a group reading of the storybook took place, with special participation from the Camino de Santiago 2025 students from Miami and Puerto Rico, who had just completed their pilgrimage. The shared reading served to strengthen the connection between generations, cultures, and communities brought together by a common purpose: to educate and protect.
The event concluded with a solidarity book sale, with all proceeds going directly to educational programs led by Cruzada por los Niños in Mozambique.
As a final gesture, María Díaz de la Cebosa read the book’s dedication, which captures the essence of the project: “To the young people who bring stars down from the sky and light the path toward a better future.”