Musings from Kandahar
Welcome, my friends, to the show that never ends. The UN has recently completed a board game called "The Road To Peace," designed for 10-12-year-old kids from Afghanistan. The game is intended to help the children deal with the realities of their lives in a positive manner, but realistically, it comes off as quite trite. Here are some of my favourites:
Although some in your community have succumbed to growing poppies, your father has resisted this illegal practice. Move two squares forward.
You almost stepped in a minefield. Go back one square and pay more attention next time.
Some families in your community forbid their daughtes to go to school. Allow the player behind to join you, or lose a turn.
Your neighbours were illegally evicted, and you helped them file a complaint with the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. Go one square forward.
Honestly, what happened to "Bank error in your favor! Collect $100!" or "You've won a beauty contest! Collect $50!"?
Although some in your community have succumbed to growing poppies, your father has resisted this illegal practice. Move two squares forward.
You almost stepped in a minefield. Go back one square and pay more attention next time.
Some families in your community forbid their daughtes to go to school. Allow the player behind to join you, or lose a turn.
Your neighbours were illegally evicted, and you helped them file a complaint with the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. Go one square forward.
Honestly, what happened to "Bank error in your favor! Collect $100!" or "You've won a beauty contest! Collect $50!"?