By Chrispin Sinyangwe
A creative mind is one that does not lack innovation. Certainly
Bare-feet is no exception, a creative art and performing project, using theatre art,
dance, music to support the development of children mostly at risk of
disengaging from their communities. Bare-feet offer children an opportunity to
have a voice heard and a channel through which to express themselves. The organisation
also allows children and young people to showcase their talents while giving
them dignity and worth.
Uniquely Bare-feet is made up of young artists, most of whom formally
from the streets, now working as artists, facilitators and managers with
various responsibilities. The overall goal of Bare-feet is to prevent children
from living on the street and the organisation works with its partners to
assist in the shared goal of moving the children from the street to a safer
environment.
Bare-feet hosts various activities and events such as five toes,
interventions, children’s council, Bare-feet youth arts festival, performance
and outreach. The children’s council comprises of young activists from 12-18
years of age, acting as ambassadors for Bare-feet. These children advocate for
a free and just world. As children representing the future, the children’s
council has been equipped with necessary tools to become peer educators and role
models, who play a cardinal part in motivating and supporting their communities
in developing a positive and health attitude toward life.
Quest project an initiative by Bare-feet which allows children
to express themselves in film production. Being an online collaboration in
which provinces around the country have been twined, enables them to interact
with each other and post their short films online.
In order that the children showcase their talents in creative
arts and film production, Bare-feet organises an annual festival. All partners
from different provinces are brought together and children would take part in
different activities such as dancing and fashions shows.
Clara Chiteka a pupil from Chinika Secondary School attributed
to the fact that the Quest project has helped her unveil her creative side. “Working
on short films is challenging but delightful”, says Clara. She highlighted the
fact she wants to peruse journalism but also assured herself that she would
still remain true to her passion for film production.
Life is full of mysteries and wonders the world has never known,
and all it takes is a child with a nurtured mind willing to take the risk in
what they believe in and take a stand for it. A child nurtured to never lose
hope, even when all seems lost.
"Never give up on what you really want to do.
The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the
facts."Albert Einstein. The Children’s News
Agency with support from European Union
