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Nurhikma, eight years-old, is among the nine
children of Mrs. Fatima. They live in the
war torn village of Pang, Kalingalang
Caluang in Sulu, Philippines, the scene of
recent battles between government troops and
guerilla forces . Nurhikma is among
thousands of children in Mindanao who live in
the shadow of fear due to the continual
threat of armed conflict. He was among more
than 3,000 children who participated in four
days of Kids Fun activities in Sulu and in
Basilan war zones, from January 18 to 23,
2008 created and conducted by the Asia
America Initiative
(AAI).
The surprise arrival of a clown, magician and
face painters, along with an enthusiastic band of
volunteer organizers was part of the first
HELP (Health, Education and Livelihood
programs) Humanitarian Caravan organized by
the Office of Presidential Adviser for Peace
Process (OPAPP). According to Presidential
peace adviser, Jesus Dureza, "This effort
focuses on health, education and livelihood
to provide development in the areas affected
by conflict." The caravan was a partnership
of national and provincial government
agencies including the Departments of Health,
Education, Social Welfare, Trade and
Employment, with logistical support by the
Philippines Armed Forces. The Asia
Foundation contributed thousands of school
textbooks. On site non-government agencies
were represented by Asia America Initiative.
Over a six year period, AAI has
fostered "peace zones" and twenty "Model of
Excellence" public schools and livelihood
projects in Sulu, and has intervened in
Basilan. "The Caravan is a venue of peace
and thousands of local people are joining our
efforts to spread peace in the whole of
Sulu," says Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan.
Like a typical party for children anywhere,
the fun days were packed with games, magic
shows, a cheerful clown, face painting,
cupcakes, and gifts-give-away of dolls and
Spider Man toys. It was the first time that
the children of Pang village in Kalingalang
Caluang and Tugas of Patikul in Sulu, and the
towns of Tipo-Tipo and Sumisip in Basilan
experienced such fun-filled activities. AAI
Philippines
conducted the Kids Fun Days as part of its
campaign of "Building peace: one child at a
time." The festive programs aim to build
support for the peace process by bringing
smiles to the children and their families in
the war zone of Mindanao.
Reflecting on Fun Day events, AAI Program
Coordinator, Ms. Rohaniza Sumndad, says, "The
children's smiles and laughter were
indescribable. The teachers, parents and
entire villages all participated. They kept
thanking us for making their children happy.
The first step in ending conflict is all of
us working together for our children,
Christians and Muslims, and not abandoning
people in communities full of uncertainties.
That is how a culture of peace begins."
AAI activities were supported by grants from
Mr. Don Marshall of SALVTUG and Children's Hour in Manila, the
Shelby Cullom Davis Fdtn. in Washington,
D.C., Mary Lanier and Bruce Pilley in
California, and
with medical donations from MedPharm in
Virginia and the Franciscan Sisters of the
Poor in Naga, Philippines.