In presence of the Lebanese Army, Humanity and Inclusion (HI), LMAC, the Lebanese Red Cross, and various schools and scouts, the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST) organized a Kermes in Ersal AL Nahda school to spread awareness as part of the program aimed at reducing the threat posed by mines, ERW, and IEDs, being implemented by LOST, in partnership with HI.
The event was attended by 2,200 people, among which 1,757 were children of Lebanese and Syrian nationalities. The kermes started by distributing caps and colored bracelets to attendees, who were later on provided with short sessions on safe behaviour upon facing mine IED and mine injuries. Then, the Lebanese Army presented the different types and shapes of mines, the golden rule, and warning signs. In addition, MRE coaches were divided into three teams (each team was composed of two coaches) to raise awareness and emphasize that all MRE messages were delivered to attendees at three stops (face painting, wall painting, and inflatable games).
Attendees were enjoying MRE messages and games, where they expressed their feelings through laughs and dances, especially Syrian refugees who were experiencing a very unpleasant situation as the LAF decided to demolish illegal settlements. Moreover, volunteers’ tasks were divided, caps and colored bracelets were distributed at the entrance, while kits, balloons, and MRE bracelets were distributed at the exit.
This event, which was the first of its kind to happen in Ersal, has promoted mine risk education and joy simultaneously. Al Nahda School’s director stated, “the kermes is terrific and civilized, all the children are happy and I wish Ersal would always experience such happiness because children are thirsty for joy and laughter”.
Caroline Duconseille, Head of Mission for Humanity and Inclusion (HI) also described the successful event saying, “I am very happy to attend this event today in collaboration with LOST and LMAC, because I think it is the best way to carry out awareness sessions to children, for they can play and enjoy learning instead of getting bored listening to lectures. I hope these children will remember everything they learned here when they get back home, and I think that by such events, we can always reach a larger audience”.
