InternationalCOAF celebrates Child Protection Day with performance in Lernagog
Published: Saturday June 13, 2009
Symbols of peace, drawn by the children, decorate the Lernagog schoolyard. .
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Yerevan - On the occasion of International Child Protection Day, which is celebrated worldwide on June 1, the community of Lernagog hosted a "Planet of Peace" performance in the premises of a newly renovated village school. The objective of the event was to raise awareness and consciousness on child-protection issues. Lernagog is one of the numerous communities included in the Comprehensive Rural Development Program, initiated and implemented by the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) in the Baghramian region of Armavir province in Armenia since early 2006.
The event was organized by the members of the local "YES" youth club established by Heifer Project International in close cooperation with COAF and experts from Development Principles NGO. Through civic education activities, local youth can acquire knowledge and build capacity on human rights and the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the formation of civil society, and children's role and participation in these processes. Apart from civic education, the club also focuses on healthy lifestyle, agribusiness, ecology, logic, and journalism and public relations.
The participants watched the documentary film, "The Rights of Children in Armenia" prepared with support from the United Nations Children's Fund, and viewed the wall papers created by the children themselves. The documentary was followed by a performance of The Little Prince, based on the novel by Antoine de Saint Exupéry, by the members of all the youth clubs.
Also participating in the celebration of the Child Protection Day were members of Civic Education "YES" Clubs from the neighboring communities of Karakert, Dalarik, Miasnikian, and Hushakert. Their involvement in the event highlighted once again the importance of communication among youngsters from cluster villages, as well as the necessity of their unity toward protecting their own rights and freedoms. The "Planet of Peace" event concluded with the video coverage of the results of the Annual Forum on youth clubs and their activities, prepared by Heifer Project International and Development Principles NGO.
The festivities continued in the front yard of Lernagog School. Using colorful chalk, children of all ages drew images of peace and kindness such as the sun, flowers, doves, and children surrounded by family members and friends.
