One of the largest children's festivals in Southern Lebanon was held on 29 April at the Liberation Educational Complex in Sultaniyah village, Tibnin area.

The annual festival, which is in its sixth year, is organised by the Union of Municipalities, in collaboration with a Lebanese NGO, ALPHA working in the area of human promotion and literacy. UNIFIL Civil Affairs and military contingents also participate in the event by providing refreshments, making presentations and various interactive activities for the children.

Nearly 3,000 children from over 20 villages participated in the fun filled event which had games, performances by a renowned local magician and UNIFIL peacekeepers. The children had the opportunity to interact with UNIFIL contingents and their different interactive activities including soccer games, face painting and traditional performances, among others.

"This was a good occasion for children to interact with UNIFIL troops", said Nabil Fawaz, the Head of Qalaa Union of Municipalities and Tibnin Mayor. "I am very grateful for the participation of the peacekeepers".

Though meant for children between nine and 13 years, the organisers said there were some as young as one year and a few older than 15 years who participated.

UNIFIL participating troops included the Irishbatt, Portuguese Engineering Unit, FCR unit, Turcoy, Malbat, Indbatt, Nepbatt and Italbat.

Special entertainment was provided by the Rokbatt Taekwondo group, Indbat musical group, Chinese medical company dance group, the Irishbatt Pipers Music Performance, Indobatt Cultural Dance Performance, Nepbatt Cultural Dance and Spanbatt Musical performance