‘War
games’
Footballs, basketballs,
volley balls, crayons, paints and paper... are these vital aid items? This was
a big part of the resources sent through by Children on the Edge to Kachin
State at the height of the conflict last year. From one perspective these
things aren’t vital, but although play equipment may seem like a luxury in
these circumstances, it is essential for the emotional wellbeing of children
who have been forced from their homes and witnessed conflict first hand.
Children in Kachin
State have their identity entwined very closely with the war around them. They
are constantly playing guns and bombs, not because of the influence of a
television set, but from what they are actually seeing around them on a daily
basis. Simple play equipment is essential for creating childhood games and
imaginary realities that promote a healthy psychological wellbeing for a child
living through war.
It is in the most
remote internally displaced people’s camps, that Children on the Edge are
partnering with local organisations to develop a three year programme
supporting the physical and pyscho-social needs of 1,440 children aged 3
to 6.
Thanks
Sandra and Nick
Isak