UNICEF sponsors children Jambore

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Achnese children will two days of fun and games on Monday and Tuesday when the Ministry of Social Affairs and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) hold the Aceh Children's Jamboree on May 23 and 24.

The event, to be held in Syah Kuala University compound, will be participated in by hundreds of children who survived the tsunami disaster that swept through Aceh and North Sumatra on Dec. 26 last year.

The children come from refugee camps throughout the area, and also from the town of Gunung Sitoli on Nias island.

Along with leisure activities, they will participate in a children's forum where they will discuss contemporary issues, along with painting, drama and singing contests.

Participating non-government organizations (NGOs) include the International Red Cross, Muhammadiyah, and the International Relief for Children and Pusaka foundations.

The jamoboree is expected to be the largest of similar events held in the area to help the children recover from the post- disaster trauma. -- JP