KidsGames and TeenGames starts again in Liberia!
Here is the latest news ...
The More than Gold
Liberia
combined KidsGames and TeenGames starts again on 12th August until the 15th August
across Liberia. The many groups are partnering with an NGO to connect with the many
thousands of children and teenagers who have been child soldiers in the recent civil
war.
Liberia's Experience in 2003
Liberia were the first country in the world to participate in the Million
Hours Project back in December 2003. Read some of the stories that
occurred.
The kids & teens served over 1,200 hours on compassion projects. They went to
a hospital bringing gifts and singing songs for children amputees. They took gifts
to children who cannot walk, speak, nor move by themselves at an orphanage. They took
on painting projects and helped those in two refugee camps.
Each of the 74 child soldiers which were disarmed on
December 17, 2003
by the United Nations Troops received a pair of footwear, a t-shirt and a jean trouser
from the Million Hours compassion team.
Liberia
thus became the first Games working toward the goal of all KidsGames participants
giving a "million hours" towards all kinds of compassion opportunities.
17th December 2003 - A team of 32 leaders from KidsGames/TeenGames
started work this week with 10,000 child and teenage warriors (see photo below) and
are beginning to see encouraging signs of change. The United Nations workers in that
area were so impressed that they have asked for help from these leaders in a possible
full-time counselling center.
15th Decmeber 2003 - These photos were taken at the Compassion
Day (part of the Million Hours Project) on Monday 15th December 2003.
These were part of the kids caring and serving at a hospital in Liberia.
GUNS SWAPPED FOR CLOTHES
After months of fighting the children and teenage fighters of Liberia are handing
in their weapons. The government have now set up six sites where these fighters can
hand in their weapons. Instead of guns, many of these teenagers have been given
clothes. They are being invited to be a part of the KidsGames/TeenGames events.
What is the Million Hours Project?
But this KidsGames will also be one of the very first KidsGames to be a part of the
brand new MILLION HOURS PROJECT. Children will become involved
in 'Compassion Projects' in their local community. Each hour that the children
do in service is added up and put onto the KidsGames "World Cup" website - www.worldcupofkidsgames.com (this
site will be launched on Jan 1 2004). These hours will be added together with those
from other cities. The target is to see how quickly KidsGames worldwide can reach
1 million hours of compassionate service by children. By the Dec 31st 2004 we will
see how many million hours have been served.
Thando
Thando is the name of the cute Mascot of the Million Hours Project (seen on the logo
below). Thando is an African Meercat and his name means "love" in the Zulu
language.
The kids of Liberia also have the opportunity to win an international award for
the KidsGames "Million Hours Project" and "The Best Compassion Award" for the best
ideas and most worthwhile service to the community.
KidsGames not only makes use of traditional and competitive sports but also uses experiential
games as part of the teaching curriculum and fun games designed to involve all children.
KidsGames is for everyone! After seeing so much sadness and violence this year, it
is time for the children of Liberia to have something to enjoy.
If you would like to know more about anything to do with this website, contact us
at help@mykidsgames.com
This site was created in a matter of minutes using the amazing automatic "myKidsGames
Wizard" Website creator. It has been especially designed and built by KidsGames to
let every city involved build their own website. It takes no skill to set up your
site. If you are a KidsGames facilitator for your city, village or town, go to www.kidsgames.com and
register. There is no cost involved, everything is provided free. Once you are registered,
you can login and begin accessing all the great KidsGames resources. Once logged in,
click on the "Create a myKidsGames Site" and follow the instructions. It is very simple
to use.
If you have any difficulty, contact help@mykidsgames.com and
we will help you.