12 July 2009: Completion of the 10th peace camp for youth was celebrated in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria
On 9 July 2009 the closing ceremony of the UNICEF-initiated summer camp called “Peacemaker” took place in Nalchik. The camp gathered together more than 200 children from all across the North Caucasus. It was the 10th peace camp, which was organized by UNICEF in close collaboration with the regional authorities within the framework of the UNICEF Peace and Tolerance Program in the North Caucasus. For seven days boys and girls from different parts of the Russian South, including the Republic of Dagestan, Ingush Republic, Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, Stavropol Kray and Chechen Republic, participated in the activities of the camp. “I had never met any of my peers from the neighboring republics, but I always wanted to meet them so that I could get to know them better,” 13-year old Anna from the town of Essentuki shared. Numerous conflicts, which had occurred in the North Caucasus over the past decades, resulted in recession of the level of social, economic and cultural exchange between many of the ethnic groups populating the region. This effected the younger generation in a way that the majority of children and teenagers living in different parts of the region have had little experience of interaction with representatives of other ethnic and religious groups.
“During the camp we conducted training sessions on peace and tolerance where children could discuss topics related to stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, conflict resolution, - said the UNICEF Consultant Inga Lazarova. It is very important for us that the children learn to respect the cultural diversity and value the uniqueness of each nationality.” The entire program of the camp, including sketches, concerts, various contests and other activities, was designed to help children to foster new friendships. Steven Johnson, Head of the North Caucasus UNICEF office also took part in the closing ceremony of the camp. He thanked all children who actively participated in camp activities and expressed his hope that the days spent in Nalchik will stay in their memories for a long time. Representatives of republican ministries of education and youth committees were also among those who came to share children’s joy during the last day of the camp. “I am sure that it is during such events that the foundation is laid, which the younger generation of the North Caucasus will be able to build upon, developing positive and lasting relationships with both their countryman and those who come from afar,” Dzhambulat Gergokov, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs of Kabardino-Balkaria. Towards the end of the closing ceremony children launched in the air a big balloon with the attached colorful envelopes, which contained messages of peace and friendship for all children around the world. For additional information please contact:
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