Kids from the 14 Kids For Peace Clubs (KFP) performed songs, dances and recitals with passion and enthusiasm during their 6th year celebration, urging their distinguished audience once more to work with them to continue to build a culture of peace and tolerance throughout Kosovo.

Adults in Kosovo may find themselves trapped in vicious circles of inter ethnic hatred however, parents and teachers work hard through KFP clubs to convey a strong message to all by encouraging their pupils and children to free themselves from stereotypes and behaviour that reinforce separation of the communities.

, We spread peace and happiness, not hate therefore I believe our clubs have future', said fourteen year old Zijad, the leader of the Janjevë/Janjevo KFP club and a veteran member of KFP. Although he speaks very little Albanian, he is keen to forge new friendships with kids from other ethnic groups.

Guests included school directors; teachers and parents as well as representatives of UNMIK, UNDP, KFOR and KOPF.

The anniversary ceremony also marked the conclusion of a series awareness raising trainings on HIV and AIDS conduced during the month of December by World Vision in cooperation with KOPF - Kosovo Population Fund, a local NGO. Top three clubs which attained highest marks on test were praised and awarded with a DVD player each donated and handed over by UNKT (United Nations Kosovo Team, a consortium of UN agencies operating in Kosovo).

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"In the light of latest political developments, along with fear and uncertainty closer to final status, peace making is something Kosovo needs most", says Rita Llulla, KFP project coordinator

WV Kosovo with its Kids for Peace Project has spent the last 6 years building a culture of peace and promoting responsible living amongst the children of the ethnically divided province of Kosovo. 14 clubs host some 350 children from all ethnicities. In order for this work to continue on a self-sustainable basis and expand in other areas, close monitoring and facilitation assistance is provided by WV Kosovo, particularly to schools with the least capacity to run clubs independently.