More reports from La'Onf

"Nonviolence brings you gifts and games. Violence brings terrorism and murder. -Message of La'Onf members in Kirkuk when distributing gifts to children (October 13, 2008)

Many parents would prefer to avoid having difficult discussions about death and tragedy until their children are older and better equipped to manage their fears and anxieties. However, for Iraqi children growing up in the midst of military occupation, assassinations and road side bombs, the reality of violence and death is all around them. LaOnf organizers strive to create safe spaces for children where frank discussions about violence can take place, and alternatives to violence can be imagined.

La'Onf Iraqi nonviolence groups engage young people as an important constituency and stakeholder in the community. Members describe youth and students as "the future of Iraq" (La'Onf organizer, Najaf) and capable of "building peace and changing the reality" (La'Onf organizer, Babil). One example of La'Onf efforts to apply nonviolent principles in practical ways in the interests of children is the campaign against war toys. In too many instances soldiers shot and killed children who were carrying toy guns that looked like real guns. The campaign began with programs in which children could trade in their toy guns for soccer balls. It then expanded into lobbying efforts. La'Onf's campaign has now resulted in legislation banning the sale of war toys in the province of Muthanna. La'Onf activists hope to see national legislation passed in the near future.

During the third annual Week of Nonviolence, La'Onf members have planned activities for young people of all ages, from kindergarteners to university students. They provide fun opportunities for children such as athletic events and releasing of doves, as well as venues for creative expression in art exhibitions and musical performances. And for older students they have facilitated workshops and discussions on the theory and practice of nonviolence in the Iraqi context. Young people are responding with great curiosity and involvement.

Highlights of some of these activities include:

BABIL
In cooperation with the National Center for the Rehabilitation of Young People and the Youth Section of the Organization of Bint (Girls) Iraq, La'Onf hosted a youth-organized festival. In addition to presentations on nonviolence, the Festival featured youth poetry readings and operettas, magicians, and a children's drawing competition. (October 14)

BAGHDAD
On the Faculty of Education campus, the Association of the Iraqi Student and Artists Without Chains hosted an Art Exhibition about refusing violence and calling for peace. (October 13-15)

DHI QAR
La'Onf visited Mama Suna Kindergarten to talk about how to choose "nice toys and games" and how to solve problems without fighting. They discouraged the children from playing with toy weapons and gave them gifts of alternative toys. La'Onf organizers made plans to return for a nonviolence workshop with the children in the future.

ERBIL
Al-Mesalla Center and the Youth Cultural Center organized a workshop of 20 young men and women on the meaning of nonviolence and how to promote a culture of peace in Iraq. Also, Al-Taleaa Kurdistan Children and IKNN organized a public party with Kurdish dance and circus performers, ending in the release of balloons to express the hope for peace and nonviolence.

MUTHANNA
At the Thaqleen Primary School for Boys in the Khather district, La'Onf representatives spoke to a crowd of 150 students gathered on the playground. They spoke about rejecting violence and spreading the language of dialogue among the students. Students received posters and balloons at the end of the rally. (October 14)

NAJAF
In coordination with the Presidency of the University of Kufa, La'Onf organizers spent four days in different colleges and departments providing information on nonviolence and facilitating discussions with literally hundreds of students as well as faculty and department heads and deans. These campuses have included: College of Education for Girls, Faculty of Arts, School of Management, and Economics and Engineering College. (October 13-16)

SALAHUDDIN
La'Onf organized a youth soccer match in which nonviolent slogans were printed on team uniforms. Sports fans and families were joined by several dignitaries from the Aalam district who attended the game and the ensuing discussion focused on the teams' nonviolent messages and La'Onf's work in the province. (October 11)

More information
Updates in Arabic, Kurdish and English are on the La'Onf website.

Photographs from Iraq (as well as from people across the United States who support nonviolence in Iraq) can be seen on the La'Onf Solidarity Flickr Photo Gallery.

Photos, video and media updates can also be found at the Peaceful Tomorrows website.