FEED MY PEOPLE SPECIAL PROJECTS:
Smile Too Kids Christmas Parties 2005 - 2007, Various Locations, Monrovia, Liberia
NAME OF PROJECT: 2005 - 2007 Smile Too Kids Christmas Parties
DURATION OF FMP FUNDING: 5 days (in Nov 2005, 2006, 2007– Dec 2005, 2006, 2007)
SUMMARY OF THIS PROJECT: Between 2005 and 2007, Christmas Parties were held in many strategic locations across Monrovia, as entry activities for the work of FMP, and to provide an afternoon of enjoyment for children affected by the war in Liberia.
KEY BENEFICIARIES OF PROJECT: 18, 798 children in the slums of Monrovia.
GOAL OF PROJECT: To identify areas for the future work of FMP and to provide hope and enjoyment for war-affected children in Liberia.
KEY ACTIVITIES OF THIS PROJECT ALREADY CARRIED OUT: FMP funded Christmas Parties in over 11 locations throughout Monrovia, for particularly vulnerable children. The representatives of FMP distributed food and gifts to children, at each party and recorded the details of all children attending the parties, to help guide FMP future projects.
IMPACT OF PROJECT: Over 18,000 children enjoyed the fun of the parties and FMP gathered key data to map out the location of vulnerable children in Monrovia. This mapping exercise resulted in the construction of a School at Point 4, Monrovia.
QUOTES FROM PEOPLE ON THE PROJECT: “The community had the idea for these parties, with the help of FMP. Children are really in need of food in Liberia, so the children loved having a party with food. We expected 500 children to come to the party, but over 2,000 children turned up. It was impossible to turn children away.” (Community leader from Soniwein, May 2007)” “The party was great. We got toys, clothes and food for our children for Christmas. We helped the project to run smoothly, and we prepared the venue for the party. It is difficult for us to have enough money to give our children our party, so we have been very happy to work with FMP.” (A group of mothers in Soniwein, May 2007). “I was given some clothes at the party. I wear my clothes and I will give my clothes to my younger brother, when I grow out of them.” (A child who attended the party in Soniwein, May 2007).