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News In Briefs From Children of Peace
Jul 21, 2010
Positive News Issue |
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New Patron
Dame Judi Dench distinguished and much admired British actress, has just announced that she is becoming Patron to Children of Peace joining their other Patrons - Madonna and Royal Patron, HH The Begum Aga Khan.
Giving her reasons for acting as a Patron to the charity, Dame Judi says:
"Children of Peace is engaged in a noble cause - to protect all children in Israel and Palestine, regardless of culture, faith, gender or heritage. It is a cause for peace and reconciliation that I support with all my heart. I applaud them in their work and I am honoured to become a Patron."
Richard Martin Chairman & Founder expressed his happiness at this development by saying " We are all delighted that Dame Judi has become a Patron of Children of Peace. She is a generous and kind supporter of our work and we look forward to receiving her support in years to come."
Peace Preschool Children of Peace Grants
Following their 2009-10 Schools Aid Appeal, the Trustees of Children of Peace have awarded the Jerusalem YMCA Peace Preschool a grant to assist them in their work in educating 120 Christian, Jewish & Muslim children together in a safe, secure and caring environment. This unique pre-school encourages coexistence between Arabs and Jews on a daily and ongoing basis, as a normal part of life for the children and parents. It also aims to enable the development of tolerance and understanding, while preserving the distinct characteristics of each child and his/ her religious and cultural identity.
Adena Levine, Director of the Pre-School said:
"During these difficult days of uncertainty, division and violence, the Peace Preschool at the Jerusalem International YMCA continues to bring together 120 children and their families - Christians, Jews and Muslims, religious and secular, in an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence.
The goal of the JIY's Preschool is to provide our children with an environment in which they feel welcome and safe. The multi- disciplinary staff is made up of professionals from all three faiths, who are unified in their commitment to strengthening and empowering each child.
The respect they share for the customs and traditions of each other is mirrored in a curriculum that is rich with activities designed to teach, at an early age, the value and intrinsic worth of each child.
Parents, siblings and grandparents are all integral to the success of the Peace Preschool and share in the celebration of festivals and holidays. With so many religions represented, it is rare to have a week go by without a special activity and the sounds of laughter.
Our hope is that the healthy relationships that are being developed now will grow into strong bonds of mutual respect in the future."
The grant will help in the purchase of resources, including games and play-learning equipment, much needed by this wonderful school.
Art Exhibition
Meanwhile Birmingham based artist Sajida Asif will be adding her support by donating the proceeds of all sales from her latest exhibition to four charities including Children of Peace. The artwork, that explores issues of war and peace in the contemporary world through her perspective as an artist and as a British Muslim, goes on display from 7th - 28th August at the Gallery Space/Community Room at the Ward End Library, Washwood Heath Road, Birmingham B8 2HF.
When explaining why she had chosen Children of Peace as one of the charities she was planning to donate to Sajida said: "When I first learned about the work of Children of Peace, I was very much inspired by their ideology. Their aims are to support Israeli and Palestinian children and their communities, to build a more positive and trusting future and community for the children. The significance of this work, this aim, must not be underestimated. As my own art practice promotes peace between all nations and people, this charity has become very important to me. Therefore, I will continue to support their good work even after this fundraising exhibition, recognising the importance of children being able to live in a peaceful and loving society."
Successful Recent Events
On Sunday 11th July 2010, ten members of the Children of Peace running team ran 10K through the centre of London in searing heat to raise funds for Children of Peace.
This is the third year runners have entered the 10K London Run in support of the charity and despite very high temperatures, many of the entrants beat their previous year's running time. 25,000 runners entered this year's race which takes in famous London sights including Pall Mall, Tower Bridge, Piccadilly, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and Big Ben.
The ten runners - Dominic Martin, Emma Cohen, Jeremy Austin, Tori Monkman, Clare Bolt, Catherine Usher, Olivia Taylor, Antonia Leslie, Graeme Renfrew and Nicky Cohen - have raised over three thousand pounds to date (including Gift Aid) - surpassing even 2009's excellent achievement.
While at another of their recent events - Stand Up for Peace, the Children of Peace annual comedy fest that took place at the Cockpit Theatre in London on Thursday 15th July 2010 delighted an audience of well over 100 supporters. It was an evening of hilarity and fun showcased some of the most edgy, exciting and talented stand up comedians around.
Months of hard work, planning and scheduling by the Events Committee, were amply rewarded by over two hours of sheer entertainment from ten acts, including headline acts Simon Munnery and Paul Foot, together with leading performers The Apidistras, The Unexpected Items, Clare Ward & Jen Brister, Diane Morgan, Eirlys Bellin and Rachel Stubbings.
To find out more about Children of Peace or to get involved and offer your support please visit their website:
www.childrenofpeace.org.uk
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