Manchester children request peace park (2001)
The surviving member of the massacred Bogujevci family, five cousins and their two dads, were discovered by the British army when NATO liberated Kosova. The severely injured children were medically evacuated to Manchester in 1999 by the British government. The family quickly became known to MAK, became a catalyst to much of MAK's work, and are now involved in its leadership.
The Bogujevci children felt their recovery was helped by the beauty and peace of Manchester's parks and gardens.
Whilst on holiday with MAK in Scotland in 2001 the children asked MAK to create a Peace Park in their home town of Podujevë, Kosovo, where they had lost 8 menbers of their family incluing their siblings, mothers and grandmother and their dear friends, eight members of the Duriqi family including four children aged under 10, in a massacre perprpetrated by the Serbian Scorpions unit
The children chose the name 'The Manchester Peace Park' and want the 22 acre site, so close to the massacre, to be a symbol of love and hope received in Manchester.
Eden Project & the Manchester Peace Park (2008)
Dedication of the Manchester Peace Park (2009)
'I am delighted to be sending my very best wishes for the dedication of the Manchester Peace Park in Kosova. The MAK volunteers have achieved a great deal in their commitment to peace and justice for the people of Kosova, and in raising awareness in the UK of the terrible events of the last decade'.
from Bev Hughes, MP for MAKs constituency, Minister for Children 23.3.09
'As Bishop of Manchester I am delighted to know that forty people from this city are to attend the opening ceremony of the Manchestr Peace Park in Podujevë. The tragedy of the massacre that took place ten years ago is one that must not be forgotten. But as we remember the women and chidren who so cruelly lost their lives, the churches and people of Manchester thank God for all the good things that have developed since the huge collaborative effort of aid a decade ago, and we pray that the ambitious and impressive Park now being opened may be a symbol of hope, peace and joy for years to come.
With every blessing'
from Nigel McCulloch, Bishop of Manchester, the Church of England, Diocese of Manchester. 23.3.09