Hear Our Voice

Programme Outline

Hear Our Voice was launched in April 2008, an innovative, educational performing arts project, delivered by disadvantaged, socially excluded young people for other young people. The project has provided a unique opportunity for those who have experienced abuse, neglect and social exclusion through being on the streets to make their voices heard, share their experiences and prevent others from suffering as they have. The participants have also learned valuable performing arts skills and other important life and social skills that can assist them in building better lives for themselves and their families.

For further detailed information about this project, visit the Hear Our Voice website: www.hearourvoicekenya.com

Individual and group interviews with street children, other vulnerable children, social workers, police officers, the local council, teachers and other relevant stakeholders Creative writing workshops to explore the experiences of street children Improvisation workshops with street children and abuse victims to build content for a play, poetry, dance and music on their experiences on the streets of Thika Regular rehearsals (focusing on language skills, team work, patience and concentration skills) Performances in children's homes, local primary and secondary schools and in slum communities Filming of play, dance and poetry for a documentary to share with other young people Filming of a fictional film (Days of KINGS) as a means of peer education to prevent other children resorting to street life

Achievements

65 current and former street children provided with performing arts opportunities and a creative, educational forum to share their experiences Participants Life & Social Skills: Increased confidence, self-esteem, and communication skills, particularly in terms of English language and public speaking skills Improved team working skills, patience, concentration and creativity Improved ability to reflect on past experiences and feel more positive about the future 30 performances conducted to over 4500 audience members Significantly increased awareness about issues surrounding street children Improved knowledge on children's rights amongst vulnerable children, their teachers and guardians