KidsGames, TeenGames and the Million Hours Project starts in Liberia!
Here is the latest news ...
The More than Gold Liberia combined KidsGames and TeenGames finished on Saturday 20th December 2003 in 5 cities with over 20,000 participants. 84 churches & community groups partnered.
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.
-
Compassion Day (15th Dec)
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.
What is it this KidsGames / TeenGames Event?
After a year of violence and war, the children of Liberia have something to celebrate as KidsGames and TeenGames is run in five different areas of Liberia:
- Monrovia - in 14 different communities
- Buchanan - Grand Bassa County
- Gbarngba - Bong County (where the highest number of child soldiers in the world are found)
- Bomi Hills
This combined KidsGames/TeenGames was a chance for the children to enjoy sports, games and fun. 20,000 children and teenagers were part of the event. This event is happening because of a fantastic partnership of 84 churches and community groups that are working together to serve the children and teenagers of Liberia.
Sport – it excites a nation, involves a community and captivates individuals. When you put children and sport together - there’s no better combination. And that’s KidsGames and TeenGames!
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.
SPECIAL HONOR DINNER HELD IN MONROVIA
Just recently a special dinner was held in honor of several people who have shown great support for KidsGames and TeenGames in Liberia. In particular the team wanted to highlight the great support of the US Ambassador to Liberia (Mr. John Blaney) and Archbishop Micheal Francis of the Catholic Church. Special thanks to them and the many others that are supporting KidsGames and TeenGames.
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.
Fundraising for this KidsGames and TeenGames in Liberia
The organizing committee for the Liberian KidsGames are working hard to raise US$1000 (60,000 Liberian dollars) to help with the costs involved in the events. Two concerts are being held involving Liberian Gospel music artists plus a KidsGames dinner. The team are also selling T-shirts and offering to do cleaning for a small fee to raise funds.
So far US$620 has been raised plus the team have received the donation of 2 boxes of Children's Clothing from the Lutheran World Service.
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.