UNMIK/PR/131
PRISTINA - Bernard Kouchner,
Special Representative of the Secretary-General, together with a group
of children, accepted today a gift of eleven tons of toys, sport equipment
and educational materials from UNESCO.
The materials were purchased by financial donations made by the citizens of Paris and collected by the MONOPRIX Supermarkets chain. Three hundred Monoprix supermarkets participated in the collection of money from 42,500 individuals, who earmarked their donations to the children of Kosovo.
"I am very happy to be with the children of Kosovo today to receive this gift from UNESCO, a United Nations agency which facilitates communication between peoples", Dr. Kouchner told journalists and children who were present. "It is easier to communicate with children than with adults. They are generous, and I am sure of their desire to share the materials with all kids from the communities in Kosovo. These children represent the future and they give us the joy to rebuild Kosovo".
Dr. Kouchner received the gift along with the Children from the Center for Traumatized Children of the Municipality of Glogovac, in Pristina Region."These children of Glogovac represent all the children who were victims of different kinds of trauma during the war in Kosovo", said Marie-Josée Lallart, coordinator of the Sport Development Programme in UNESCO. "UNESCO has dedicated this year to the culture of peace. Human dignity, solidarity and fraternity are learned not only in schools, but also by playing together".
UNICEF and UNHCR, together with KFOR, will assist in the distribution of the materials to four thousand children throughout Kosovo.
For information only - not an official record
Contact UNMIK Press and Information Office - (381-38) 500-223, extension 5719.