Yesterday we
celebrated International Youth Day in and with the various communities on the
outskirts of Kosti. This event was actually celebrated worldwide a few weeks
ago, but because of Ramadan it was postponed. This special day aims to
focus more attention to the youth in the world and here, specifically to the
youth in Sudan. The venue was the Safe Learning Space that has been established
for the children in one of the communities. All children and youngsters were clearly
over-exited that ‘something special’ was being organized for them. As soon as
we entered the premises, a group of children started to follow us everywhere we
went; they were so curious to know more about this 'different looking' man and woman. And, you can imagine that we shook uncountable hands! There were performances like dancing and
telling- poems, all done by children and youngsters. Of course, after all we are in Sudan, there were also several
speeches (one presented by Frank) and thank-you words to all. The ‘hit’ of the
evening was a young local singer who made everyone dance, and click their fingers
until they dropped. More and more people from the area gathered to see this interesting
event and (-as you can see on the photo-) it became very busy! The sign for the
closure of the event were the first raindrops from the sky; everyone quickly headed
home to secure dry feet and clean clothes. For us, this was an evening to remember and treasure. And, more importantly, the voice of the Sudanese youth has definitely been heard!
