KIte Flying For Peace

by Anthon Delizo

Bearing the theme “Common Word between Us and You: Love of God, Love of Neighbor”, the SOCSARGEN Peace Network held its Kite Flying for Peace activity, story telling and feeding program in line with the celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace on November 27, 2011 at Oval Plaza stage.

More than 100 persons had participated the event including the Kapayapaan Kapatid Council Tri-Youth Volunteers; Notre Dame of Dadiangas University clubs and organizations like Supreme Student Government, Voice Publication, Campus Ministry, RE116 class under Mr. Leopoldo Lacson and Mr. Jose Suizo, Teamlettes, SAC Club, Business College, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education and Nursing, College of Engineering and Technology, Peace Partners and NDDU Core; Hearts and Brains Foundation; Youth Community Service Club; PeaceTech Ambassadors; Philippine National Police; Mindanao State University; and Joint Task Force Gensan.

Approximately forty children been invited on the event brought by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and PNP from Silway Fatima, Silway Talipapa, Silway San Juan and Dadiangas West.

Vincent Paul Hantulan, a student from Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, shared the rationale of the activity and the whole extent of the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration that “Ang adhikain ng SOCSARGEN Peace Network ay magkaroon ng magandang resulta at isang bagong paraan ng selebrasyon, isang paraan upang lalong mahikayat ang bawat isa at mabigyan rin ng kasayahan ang mga tao”, He, as a student also looking a forward for peace in Mindanao to last. “Naisip nilang magkaroon ng pagpapalipad ng sarangola. Ito ay dapat magsilbing tagapahiwatig ng kapayapaan at daan upang mapabuti natin ang relasyon sa bawat isa.”

Mr. Hantulan, Kristine Joy Liaro, NDDU Peace Partners member mentioned the history of kite. It was said that the festivity of kite is being celebrated throughout the world; it could be local or traditional.

Various kite colors and shapes from participating organization and invited children from DSWD fly the sky. The smile in everyone’s faces was remarkable while flying kites. Adult feel young and some of them fly a kite for the first time.

After the flying, the children was separated according to their age for the story telling. Ages from 6-9 was facilitated by the Mindanao State Universwity SSG led by Mocel Edrief Odango, a new volunteer, while ages from 10-12 was with Ibrahim Nilong and the other KKC Tri-youth volunteers.

“Natutunan ko kung paano ang tamang paghugas ng kamay”, said Irene, a 10 year-old girl from Silway Fatima. Stories told were full of knowledge; things that can help oneself improve his/her lifestyle in daily living.

Origami making was also introduced, a traditional Japanese art of paper folding that transforms a flat sheet of material into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques, and was facilitated by the volunteers. The kids as well as their parents enjoyed the event experiencing new stuffs.

“Masaya ako dahil masaya kong nakikita ang mga anak ko na nag-eenjoy sa inihanda niyong programa. Malaking tulong ang naibahagi niyo sa mga batang ito sa kanilang development stage tulad ng kite flying, storytelling at paper folding.” said one of the parents of three children who participated the activity.

Pastil, a steamed rice and shredded chicken wrapped with a banana leaf, a ready-to-eat Filipino food originated in Maguindanao, was prepared for children in the feeding program for their merienda.

The activity ended with a community peace song entitled 'Kapayapaan' while everyone helps clean out the trash in the venue.

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more pictures at:

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