Malaria No More at Millennium Development Goal market in Leiden

For the second time, the council of Leiden held a Millennium Development Goal Day on Saturday 29 May. This year's Millennium Development Goal Day consisted of a Millennium Development Goal Market at the square in front of Hooglandse church. The market was mainly aimed at elementary school children and their parents.

Ama van Dantzig, the day's hostess, opened the market and introduced Leiden's Millennium Development Goal alderman. Throughout the day, there were all kinds of activities for and by children like talent scouting, a drawing, writing and colour contest, a djembé workshop, make-up, a puppet theatre, a reading corner, an arts and crafts corner and a zumba workshop. Ama and some ten children debated the Millennium Development Goals.

Wesley Klein, who won SBS6's Popstars contest in 2010, was on the talent scouting jury and announced the winner at the beginning of the afternoon: singer Nima who, assisted by four dancers, sang ‘Wat wil je later worden’ (What do you want to be when you grow up?) won the first prize. The winner and the two runners up performed their song and dance acts again. Parents could buy fair and healthy snacks at a Fair Trade world café and get information about organizations working on a Millennium Development Goal at various stands.

Malaria No More! Netherlands also had a stand. Malaria is part of Millennium Development Goal 6 (Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases). Because children younger than five and pregnant women are at risk of malaria, Malaria No More! Netherlands is also working on Millennium Development Goal 4 (Reduce child mortality) and Millennium Development Goal 5 (Improve maternal health).

Turnout was low despite the good weather. But Malaria No More could inform those kids who did come about the campaign ‘Race Against the Clock, the Malaria No More Challenge’. Children aged 9 to 12 were given a flyer about the campaign for their teachers with the request to take the class to the exposition tents at Zandvoort.