500 school children handed over their toy guns in exchange for LEGO boxes for their schools. (Photo by Frank Brumfit/DCA Mine Action)
Over 2000 adults and children gathered in Misurata on Thursday to celebrate the 4th April International Day of Mine Awareness which aims to raise the profile of the danger posed by mines and unexploded ordinance.
The event was organized by the Local and Military Council in Misurata in coordination with international NGOs DCA Mine Action, Handicap International and Mines Advisory Group, as well as local NGOs and schools.
Among the festivities was a symbolic disarmament campaign organized by DCA where 500 school children handed over their toy guns in exchange for LEGO boxes for their schools. The objective of this event - ?Child?s Play for a Country Free of Weapons? - was for children to disarm their minds and to start the process of changing perceptions and behavior on gun ownership and use in Libya.
Children also participated in sketches, a drawing competition and music highlighting the dangers of mines, unexploded ordinance and small arms use.
The event was attended by dignitaries from Misurata and other cities in Libya, as well as foreign diplomats and representatives from the UN Mission in Libya.
DCA Small Arms and Light Weapons Coordinator - Frederic Faust - said ?this event provided the chance for children to give a good example to their parents and community, the symbolic disarmament will spread an important message to Libyan citizens and the wider region by showing that their children are willing to give up their weapons to build a safer future for Libya. The LEGO is an educational and playful material that will help children to focus on a different way to have fun with tools that are not related to violence?.
DCA?s activities during this event are part of a larger program promoting security and stability in Libya funded by the European Union.
In addition to the project on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the program focuses on humanitarian mine action, and psychosocial support for children affected by the conflict.
LEGO for the event was provided by the LEGO foundation in Denmark who have provided 6 tonnes of LEGO for use promoting safety and peace for young people in Libya.
Over 2000 adults and children gathered in Misurata on Thursday to celebrate the 4th April International Day of Mine Awareness which aims to raise the profile of the danger posed by mines and unexploded ordinance.
The event was organized by the Local and Military Council in Misurata in coordination with international NGOs DCA Mine Action, Handicap International and Mines Advisory Group, as well as local NGOs and schools.
Among the festivities was a symbolic disarmament campaign organized by DCA where 500 school children handed over their toy guns in exchange for LEGO boxes for their schools. The objective of this event - ?Child?s Play for a Country Free of Weapons? - was for children to disarm their minds and to start the process of changing perceptions and behavior on gun ownership and use in Libya.
Children also participated in sketches, a drawing competition and music highlighting the dangers of mines, unexploded ordinance and small arms use.
The event was attended by dignitaries from Misurata and other cities in Libya, as well as foreign diplomats and representatives from the UN Mission in Libya.
DCA Small Arms and Light Weapons Coordinator - Frederic Faust - said ?this event provided the chance for children to give a good example to their parents and community, the symbolic disarmament will spread an important message to Libyan citizens and the wider region by showing that their children are willing to give up their weapons to build a safer future for Libya. The LEGO is an educational and playful material that will help children to focus on a different way to have fun with tools that are not related to violence?.
DCA?s activities during this event are part of a larger program promoting security and stability in Libya funded by the European Union.
In addition to the project on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the program focuses on humanitarian mine action, and psychosocial support for children affected by the conflict.
LEGO for the event was provided by the LEGO foundation in Denmark who have provided 6 tonnes of LEGO for use promoting safety and peace for young people in Libya.
