The magic of Christmas was recreated by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) at its headquarters on Wednesday, 16 December 2014 during its traditional party organised for some 325 underprivileged children aged between 5 and 12 from 12 neighbourhoods in the district of Abidjan.



In a festive atmosphere, the children, accompanied by their minders, sang and dance during the Christmas Party to show they had not been forgotten by UNOCI.



In her opening remarks, Marie-Irene Richmond, Public Information Officer in UNOCI's Public Information Office said that the event had been organised to celebrate the children and show them they affection they deserve. She thanked all those who had donated money and presents for their generousity which meant that the children would each receive a Christmas present.



« You should work hard at school. We want you to be good examples so that you can in turn encourage your friends to also work hard at school. UNOCI would like you to become ambassadors of peace whereever you go because despite the fact you are so young, you could still contribute to re-establishing trust between communities in Côte d'Ivoire », Mrs Richmond told the children.



The Christmas party was attended by the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mbaye Babacar Cissé who asked several of the Mission's young guests to explain why peace is important for development. He also told them that in order for them to merit their presents they should work hard at school and respect their parents.



«You have been very good at home, with your parents, with your brothers and sisters and friends, so you deserve to have your presents. But I also want you to know that we are here for peace. Peace is important. If there wasn't peace you will not be able to go to school, your will be treated when you fall sick, you will not even be here today. This is why we are all working hard for peace all over the world, » Mr. Cissé explained to the children.



Several musical and theatrical performances marked the event including a sketch by children from the SOS village in Abobo to show the importance of accepting our differences and living together in peace harmony.

The Deputy Special Representative along with Father Christmas, who had earlier made a spectaular entrance, and UNOCI officials symbolically handed over presents to five children before the rest of the gifts were given to the minders to distribute to the rest of the young guests.



Speaking on behalf of his friends, young Kouadio Abel who was brought to the party by Thabitha Compassion NGO told UNOCI's deputy chief : « Papa Cissé, we the children would like to say thank you for everything that you do for us every year. What you do for us each year gives us joy. We promise to work hard at school. We want want peace and we promise to become ambassadors of peace in our areas so that we can strengthen social cohesion and national reconciliation. We wish you all a Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year 2015. »

After receiving their presents the children continued to have fun by playing on a bouncy castle, dancing, eating and drinking. At the end of the festivities, they children were taken home in different minibuses provided by the UN Mission.