I am beyond excited to announce that we are formalising a partnership that will ensure one of my fondest goals shall be achieved, that of a youth exchange between the children of Gaza and those of Europe. I am even more excited because we are focusing on the youth of Gaza as well as Belfast and Free Derry in the North of Ireland. These kids, ages 15 to 18, all know what violent conflict is about, and all of them deserve a chance to play with and understand their brothers and sisters from distant but all too similar conflict zones.
Our success will be measured in smiles and laughter and the building of bonds akin to creating a cherished extended family… and we will succeed.
I have wanted to do this for years, giving serious motivation to youth workers in an attempt to make it happen, trying through volunteers to get a program written up and funding to make it so. But with all that I was doing I simply had not managed to secure the right partners and funding, until now that is.
Myself and my partners are now entered into an agreement in principle with Mr. Maamon Hashem Khozendar, a prominent businessman and philanthropist from Gaza. As a resident of Gaza, Mr. Khozender is also witness to the atrocities committed by Israel against the 800,000 plus children there. His people are providing logistical support in Gaza and my team are partnered with people in the North of Ireland who are doing the same. In Gaza and Ireland we are working to identify eight youth to be part of our first exchange.
First we plan to fly the kids from Ireland to Gaza (via Egypt), or possibly carry them on our convoy from London to Gaza in July of this year. After roughly two weeks of educational tours and fun based activities with four youth from Gaza, all will return to Ireland for similar activities there. Mr. Khozendar will be providing the facilities and funds in both Gaza and Ireland and we have high hopes that the program will soon be expanded; which indeed it will if support from people of goodwill is what I think it will be.
I would love to see 50 or 100 children at a time for each exchange, but we shall start with eight kids, and work our way up from there. Plans are flexible, but again we are looking at two weeks in Ireland, two weeks in Gaza, with ongoing support to facilitate continuing communications and hopefully, regular reunions.
If you live in the North of Ireland and wish to nominate a child for this exchange or support this project in meaningful ways, please contact me at 1worldcitizen@spamarrest.com. Together we are going to do something truly special and everyone will get to see the initial results by July at the latest.
TJP
June 6, 2011 at 7:11 am
Excellent initiative and I wish you all the “luck” possible from the bottom of my heart. I will keep in touch and try to help as well, insha’Allah.
Take care and my sincere and true love to all of you
GOD BLESS YOU
Basheer
June 6, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Hi ken my names Darren o Reilly i live in derry and work with a group of young people in the rosemount area. I think the exchange is a brilliant idea and wish you all the best.
Ps. if you need any help in derry dont hesitate and drop me a mail
Darren
June 7, 2011 at 12:43 am
is this genuine because if it is i have concerns about child protection issues and the safety of children in a war zone,then there is the issue of money ? who monitors all of that ? goodwill is there,no doubt,but the people of gaza need more practical help,i think you a con man
June 7, 2011 at 5:54 am
Beautiful, Ken!!!!
June 9, 2011 at 2:50 pm
i would be interested in knowing a bit more about the exchange,it sounds like a brilliant opportunity for both the kids in Gaza and the kids here in Ireland.The strength of our countries is the knowledge in our children
June 9, 2011 at 5:02 pm
great idea… I’m going to read more from you, because this is what I thinl the right way to fight against war and ignorance (always generating intolerance). These children deserve at least some peace and joy… I will try to do the same here. Thx for now, and good luck to you!
June 11, 2011 at 1:45 am
salam alaykoum
June 11, 2011 at 1:46 am
salam alaykoum good work god bless you all
June 11, 2011 at 7:21 pm
May God bless these youths . I have hope now for a better world , a world of respect , equality and love
Thank you for all.
God bless you and your family. My love to all of you.
P.E.A.C.E
Young wolrd citizens
June 18, 2011 at 9:48 am
it will most certainly
be the children
i sure hope
they can
forgive us
June 18, 2011 at 11:18 am
i sure hope they can forgive us
estebanfolsom
If I were the children, I would never forgive all criminals, cowards, and selfish monsters who call themselves HUMANS!
Basheer
June 21, 2011 at 5:18 am
Ken, Truth will always shine like the sun.
May God Almighty bless you at all times and your family too.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Huge hug..!
June 28, 2011 at 6:20 pm
Will You be taking other kids from other countries? Or Just Ireland?
July 31, 2011 at 12:09 am
Dear Ken
You are someone whose name would be remembered forever in the history. Believe me I am not exaggerating. Who has such an pure soul who only serves for humanity and justice. You are so inspiring to me and wish to have a little bit of your bravery and sincerity.
Wish you all the best.
PS: sorry that this comment is not related to this specific post.