IAAF - Projects - SANDOUK AL DOUNIA - 2017
Sandouk El-Dounia, derived from the Peep Show concept that originated in the 15th century, has been a major attraction and a source of pure excitement and happiness for children in many cultures. The concept is also particularly significant to the mission and vision of IAAF since it is based on triggering the imagination of youngsters and making them wonder what the world has to offer and what they can give back. It is thereby fully sponsored by the Inas Academic Awards Foundation and completely free of charge to the public. Sandouk El-Dounia is also part of the national culture and collective Lebanese memory, and it is a means to connect children today to this precious part of our history and culture. Sandouk El-Dounia hands images of the world to the children in a box. Our hope is that this will allow them to continue dreaming and enjoying a healthy childhood.
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them” – Walt Disney
In 2016, Sandouk El-Dounia was celebrated as one of the most successful Adha festivals in the Chouf region. In 2017, the second edition of this Festival was organized during the Adha festivities on September 1st and 2nd in collaboration with the Municipality of Baakline, the municipalities of the Upper Chouf region, the federation of Chouf Es Souayjani Municipalities and under the patronage of Taymour Beik Joumblat.
We would also like to thank the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC), Progressive Youth Organization (PYO), the Progressive Scouts Association (PSA), and all other associations who participated in making Sandouk El- Dounia a success.
The purpose of this event was to spread joy and happiness among children and to instill hope among young people in our communities through joyful and creative activities over the course of two consecutive days.
The festival was organized in Baakline in a designated location that spreads over 17,000 m2, hosting up to 30,000 guests from the 32 neighboring districts as well as from other communities and regions all over Lebanon.
The activities were organized in the secure area of the festival and included:
- A variety of games (inflatables and other activities)
- DJs
- Fairy Tale Princess interacting with kids
- Cartoon characters show
- Crazy Club theatre show
- Magic show
- Kazadu theatre show
- Mini Studio theatre show
- Mini Studio puppet show
- Face Painting
- Private Kids section with games and toys for kids with special needs and autistic kids
- Private kids section with games and toys for children aged 3 to 6 years
- Zumba show
- Hakawati show
- Transformers show
- Spectacular Parade show
- Clown parade show
- Kermes
The festival ended with a performance by Lebanese star Nancy Ajram followed by spectacular fireworks