30 May 2008 - Last month a large “community” festival was organised in the War Child Holland program in Sierra Leone. Several different villages came together during this festival. The central theme ofg the festival was: a peaceful existence and better future for children. Very important subjects in a war torn country like Sierra Leone.

Because of the violence of the conflict, that ended in 2001, Sierra Leone is still a socially and economically broken country. Ten years of war have left their traces. The importance of the child and its safe environment have been forgotten issues for a long time. Very important children’s rights are being violated. Like the Right to Education. Many children have to help their parents farming the land and therefore cannot go to school. Also aggression against children is a persistent problem.

Parents were made aware of children’s rights. Because of these community meetings children are noticing that they are increasingly being better support and care from both parents and teachers. Like for instance being able to go to school or getting time off to play with other kids and developing socially.

The festival ended with a soccer tournament and volleyball game in which the children from all different communities participated. It was a great day. This was also a very special event for Sierra Leone, as there are often fractions between communities and tensions sometimes arise. That sports can bring people together in a peaceful way was again shown with this tournament.