I walk for peace with my whole heart and soul to raise as much money as I can for Play for Peace kids. Children should not live in violence, and I want to bring peace to the world.
These are Aidan Hennessy’s words who, with his Tiny Peace Walker friends from Bartlett and the surrounding community, helped raise over $25,000 in the last 3 years for Play for Peace. A young man of his word! He has such a big heart for someone still only 8 years old. Aidan has sold lemonade and pears, knocked on doors to invite his neighbors, given talks at other events asking people to join us, and created his first youtube video at 6 years old! The Play for Peace Community wants to send a huge heartfelt “thank you!” to Aidan, his parents, and all of his team members and donors who have supported him over the years. Last year, Aidan and his team were interested in the growth of Play for Peace in two countries, Haiti and Mexico! Below we have a brief update on Play for Peace activities in both countries.
Mexico
[caption id="attachment_3185" align="align-center" width="300"]
Mexican Play for Peace Certified Trainer, Livier Ayon with co-founder Craig Dobkin and Los Angeles Trainer Loren Rubin[/caption]
“What I notice is that I can learn more things if I cooperate." - Mexican youth in Jalisco
This past year Livier led workshops with youth in the violent territory of Jalisco where a local orphanage inspired her first Play for Peace efforts in the region. The youth participated in Kornblum’s violence prevention program and various Play for Peace sessions. There were a total of 14 participants from 12 to 17 years old who face many economic, educational and social obstacles on a daily basis. Based on the impact found in these initial programs, Livier is launching Youth Leaders Transforming for Peace in their Community (Jovenes Lideres Transformando para la Paz en su Communidad) in El Chante, Jalisco. This program will continue to help children and youth overcome the conflict that surrounds them within their challenging environment.
Haiti
[caption id="attachment_3182" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Deaf Haitian youth experiencing Play for Peace for the first time with trainer Jean Berube.[/caption]
"We want to help them discover what they are capable of becoming.” - Jean Berube
For the second year in a row, Play for Peace Certified Trainers have traveled to Haiti to support local organizations and schools. Last summer, Play for Peace Trainer, Jean Berube, a member of International Deaf Partnerships (IDP), held educational and recreational activities for deaf children and youth. Play for Peace trainer, Kendra Bostick, also helped train over 60 teachers and 200 children from rural schools near La Victoire, Haiti. This July, Jean returned to Haiti to support a summer camp for deaf Haitian children from Montfort Institute and St. Vincent school at the village of La Renaissance at Anse Pirogue. Many of these children (8 to 12 years old) have no first language and do not know their name or their age. Haitian sign language has yet to be recognized by the government and the children are taught only spoken French in school. Play for Peace sessions and lessons included Haitian sign language, educational activities (geography, time, math, and money exchange), art, discovery, swimming, sports, and storytelling. Look for a blog with her full report soon!
Tiny Peace Walkers
Aidan Hennessy and Family Ally Yung and Family Aneesh Pushparaj and Family Amaanat Jolly and Family Brandon, Jasmine Su/Family Carson Lippold and Family Clark Family Ernest Family DelRe Family Gianna and Mia Gravina/Family Jack Jerome and Family Lauren Maloney and Family Marissa Clements and Family Morgan Wellander and Family Mueller Family Riley and Charlie Bercier/Family Ryan and Kyle Foster/Family
Thanks to Aidan’s Cub Scout Den and Pack 99
Lukas Eastman and Family Drew Rival and Family Ryan Suarez and Family Andrew Tinio and Family Carson Urry and Family
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtNTMh0toX8[/embed]
