“It was almost winter and Bear was getting sleepy,” the Iranian cleric reads aloud. He has taken off his clerical robe, put aside his white turban and is trying to entertain a group of children in one of Iran’s poorest villages. In between phrases, he troops back and forth to make sure everyone is listening. “Are you with me?” he asks. “What did Bear want to do?” The children, who are painting their school walls, reply: “Bear had a story to tell.” It’s all in a day’s work for Esmail Azarinejad, a father of two who is not your average cleric. Iranian theocrats are better known for delivering inflammatory remarks at Friday prayers or fulminating on television against a backdrop of “Death to America” chants. Azarinejad, 39, sees his mission somewhat differently. When he’s not teaching Islamic philosophy or Arabic literature at his city’s seminary, he travels to villages in the impoverished south-west … [Read more...] about No turban, no sermon, just books for kids: meet Iran’s travelling cleric
Telling story for kids
Outrage at ‘cruel’ pony painting for kids birthday parties
Campaigners have hit out at 'Pony painting parties' which they say are a 'cruel' new trend. The parties, happening across the country, involve youngsters painting designs onto ponies with special chalk-based paint. From writing their own names or putting painted hand-prints on the animals, to covering them with hearts and stars, ponies and horses are used as a blank canvas for kids' designs. Those behind such parties say it's harmless fun and the painting is often done as therapy, helping children at centres offering riding for disabled people. But not everyone is happy with the idea. While campaigners are petitioning to get what they describe as the 'disturbing trend' banned, animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA UK, says parents need to be reminded that ponies and horses 'aren't party props'. Sophie Tomlinson, from Altrincham, Cheshire, launched a petition on change.org, which has surpassed its 7,500-signature target in just three days and is … [Read more...] about Outrage at ‘cruel’ pony painting for kids birthday parties
Pony painting parties emerge as ‘cruel’ new trend for kids’ birthday bashes
Campaigners have hit out at 'Pony painting parties' which they say are a 'cruel' new trend. The parties, happening across the country, involve youngsters painting designs onto ponies with special chalk-based paint. From writing their own names or putting painted handprints on the animals, to covering them with hearts and stars, ponies and horses are used as a blank canvas for kids' designs. Those behind such parties say it's harmless fun and the painting is often done as therapy, helping children at centres offering riding for disabled people. But not everyone is happy with the idea. While campaigners are petitioning to get what they describe as the 'disturbing trend' banned, animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA UK, says parents need to be reminded that ponies and horses 'aren't party props'. Sophie Tomlinson, from Altrincham, Cheshire, launched a petition on change.org, which has surpassed its 7,500-signature target in just three days and is … [Read more...] about Pony painting parties emerge as ‘cruel’ new trend for kids’ birthday bashes
Prince Harry makes emotional return to Lesotho to open community centre for kids
PRINCE Harry made an emotional return to Lesotho to open a community centre for children. The smiling Duke of Sussex was pictured mucking around with kids and unveiling a plaque at the Phelisanong Children’s Centre in Pitseng on Saturday. He made what Kensington Palace called a "private visit" to the southern African country — one of several visits since his first in 2004 — with his charity Sentebale. Meghan Markle stayed at home in London as Harry journeyed to meet local children and community leaders in the Commonwealth nation. The Prince, 33, was joined by his pal and Sentebale ambassador Adam Bidwell. Sentebale — which translates to "forget me not" — was founded by Harry along with Prince Seeiso in 2006. The charity works to improve prospects for children and youngsters affected by HIV by delivering health tests and counselling services. More than 21,000 people have been helped by the charity so far and there are plans to expand … [Read more...] about Prince Harry makes emotional return to Lesotho to open community centre for kids
Half a million British children don’t have their own bed so help us change that with our Beds For Kids campaign
THERE are few things that shock Judge Rinder. From money laundering to international fraud, the criminal barrister turned TV judge has worked on some eye-opening legal battles. But he was horrified to learn that 400,000 British children do not have a bed of their own to sleep in. Judge Rinder says: “It’s a number that in the First World — in an advanced economy — should make us all think, ‘How can we solve this?’ If it doesn’t make you ask that question, you’ve got a problem. “When I first heard the figure, it gripped me. It made me want to be a part of the community determined to make a change.” That is why the 39-year-old Sun columnist is backing our Beds for Kids campaign to support desperate families. Alongside Dreams Beds and charity Buttle UK’s Chances for Children campaign, we are asking YOU to help raise money for those youngsters who do not have a bed. Without somewhere to get a good night’s sleep, a … [Read more...] about Half a million British children don’t have their own bed so help us change that with our Beds For Kids campaign