Every year on the 9th of May the European Union celebrates peace and unity across Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historical declaration of Robert Schuman, a French foreign minister and one of the founding fathers of the European integration.
At a speech in Paris in 1950, Schuman set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, one which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable and impossible. Sixty-one years later the European Union has 27 member-states, a Parliament, a common currency and its citizens can cross the internal borders with little fuzz. The European Union is today one of the most cultural diverse and tolerant places in the world and the top international development donor.
To celebrate the occasion, the European Union’s Delegation for the Pacific will organize, two children events at the Suva City Library on the morning of the 9th of May. The event will be opened by the Ambassador of the European Union for the Pacific, His Excellency Andrew Jacobs and the Ambassador of Germany to Fiji (based in NZ) Her Excellency Dr Anne-Marie Schleich.
Children from 6 to 11 years old are invited to spend a fun day full of drawing, face painting, movie screening and a flag competition, all EU themed. The children will also have the opportunity to draw in a big banner what the European Union means to them.
For older children (12-15 years old), an Amazing European Union Race will take place. Teams of five children from schools around Suva will explore the city centre in a quest to find 9 pit stops. At each pit stop they will be asked to answer three questions, one about Fiji to get the hint for the next pit stop and two about the EU in order to get victory points.
The team which will score the most victory points alongside five children from the event at the library will be awarded with the following prizes: Afternoon entertainment with the European Union’s Ambassador at his residence, a goodies bag and a desktop computer for the winning school.
At the evening of the same day, the European Union Delegation will have its formal reception at Fiji Museum, for the occasion of the 9th of May. Guests will include the President, His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, development partners and representatives of the civil society, the media, business and private sector.
Times and Venues:
Children activities at the Suva City Library:
– 09:20-09:30 Launch of the activities by the EU and German Ambassador (short remarks)
– 09:30-12:30 Children activities
– 12:30-13:15 lunch break – decision for the winners
– 13:30 announcement of winners and presentation of prizes
Evening reception:
Fiji Museum – 06:30 pm