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by Gloree Rohnke and Michael Terrien Play for Peace celebrates its third birthday this year!
The first Play for Peace sessions were held in the Middle East two and a half years ago. Many organizations in Jerusalem, the West Band, and other areas continue to be involved with Play for Peace activities. In Tel Aviv, Play for Peace is a part of the curriculum in the 10th grade. Some of the groups are also involved in making music happen together - and sharing that music with others. In Guatemala, the first teenage facilitator training sessions took place in February. The word spread like wildfire - teenagers at that first session came back to visit, and brought five of their friends who want to come next time! The Balkans continue to be an area where we are working, though cautiously. It's clear that there is interest in what Play for Peace has to offer, but that has to be balanced with personal safety issues for all concerned. South Africa will host the next meeting of the Parliament of the World's Religions, and Play for Peace will be there as part of that. Two representatives have traveled to South Africa this spring to work intensively on connecting with groups and getting the play firmly established there. Chicago children and teenagers all over the city are being introduced to Play for Peace, and being given a great opportunity to develop leadership skills and get to know one another. Plans are also being made to bring Play for Peace to some suburban areas. Play for Peace continues to grow and expand, and fulfill its mission of bringing children of conflicting cultures together through play, building a world bettered by the compassion developed and the laughter shared! For more information, call the Play for Peace office at 847-520-1444,
or visit <www.playforpeace.org>.
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