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21 September 2008 - WAR CHILD HOLLAND’S PEACE DAY AROUND THE WORLD
Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, 20 schools in the city of Herat and the surrounding area participated in a drawing contest on the International Day of Peace. Both the audience and children were engaged in discussions about the Day of Peace and the Rights of Children. At the drawing contest 100 children, 40 teachers, representatives of ministries and various media were present. The objective of the day was to educate people about the Rights of Children. Two television stations, a radio station and a newspaper reported on the activities. Teachers and representatives of educational authorities were invited in order to stimulate them to better protect the rights of children. In Kabul, too, attention was paid to this special day. At 4 schools a total of 3300 children formed impressive life-size peace signs. The International Day of Peace was successful in Afghanistan, where also the Taliban promised not to pick up their guns that day.
Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone children, young people, adults and members of the local government united in different regions by making life-size peace signs. The objective of this day was to stress the importance of peace in the development of postwar Sierra Leone, and with that, what the people's own role is in the keeping of peace.
Peace sign as ritual of reconciliation: In the village of Maghata the inhabitants even chose to continue to use the peace sign as a ritual of reconciliation. From now on in Maghata when a fight has been settled with those involved, a symbolic peace sign is formed.
Uganda
In four cities, Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and Lira, the Day of Peace was massively celebrated with living peace signs, cultural competitions, sports competitions and movies about peace. Moreover, 600 children launched coloured balloons with peace messages. Ugandese children also participated in a virtual peace parace in the Dutch Habbo Hotel and answered questions from their Dutch peers.
Sudan
War Child has celebrated the Day of Peace in South Sudan in cooperation with the United Nations and the Sudan Peace Commission. Honorary guest that day was the vice-president of South Sudan, Dr Riek Machar. Over 550 people were present at the celebration, during which several authorities held speeches, which were alternated with singing, dancing and theatre performances about peace. Groups of children and young people who are supported by War Child provided this creative interpretation.
The speeches stressed the importance of continuous dedication to peace in the areas in Sudan that are affected by war and the durability of peace in the relatively peaceful areas of Sudan. The vice-president called out in his speech to organise more of these peaceful celebrations and maintain the involvement of children, young people and women in the peace process so that they can realise peace and benefit from it.
In the northern capital Khartoum, War Child celebrated the Day of Peace together with 42 children who had been kidnapped by the rebels and are now in prison, by forming a peace sign. A musical programme was also performed by a band consisting of young people. Representatives of the government and other organisations listened to the songs of peace. The children received a t-shirt with the peace sign as a remembrance and by way of thanks for their involvement.
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, too, a number of activities were organised to raise awareness for children who grow up in the midst of war.
Global Peace Gathering in Habbo
In 32 countries children participated in War Child's Global Peace Gathering at the online Habbo community. Thousands of children came together (virtually) to support the necessity of a world without war. In Habbo Netherlands even children from the War Child programme in Uganda visited Peace Gathering. They answered questions from children, gave speeches and walked alongside all Dutch children in a virtual peace march.
Run for Peace!
Sunday 21 September 100 participants ran the 10mile, 60 participants ran the 4mile and 4 temporary sports ambassadors ran in the so-called 'Dam tot Damloop' for War Child. The sportsmen were sponsored by friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances. Companies also registered, such as Baker & McKenzie, McAffee, VODW and many others. One participant even collected an amazing €17.000,-. The expected proceeds are €30.000.
Living Peace signs
On 21 September 12 schools, clubs and associations in the Netherlands built life-size peace signs to call for attention to peace! Young people from resistance museum South-Holland (photo) built a mini peace sign and showed by means of their talents what their thoughts were on war and peace. There was singing and dancing and a number of girls created a magazine about war and peace. A spokesperson also talked about War Child's work.
Belgium
In Belgium, too, the call to build life-size peace signs was heard. The children of Stichting Eclectica in Kluisbergen literally built peace during the free yoga classes.
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