I will be using many years of experience of working with vulnerable young people to create a performance of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate factory for Christmas to be shared with street children in Lusaka. The cast of the production will be made up of street children & former street children who through the process will be empowered.
I have already committed to working with Barefeet for five weeks this Christmas & I am hoping to raise as much money as possible to help fully realise this production.
Barefeet As An Organisation
Barefeet has been working with vulnerable children in Zambia for over ten years, working to enrich the lives of children living in difficult circumstances, especially the children on the street and those with potential to get onto the street.
The organisation is based in Lusaka where most of its activities are conducted. In addition, Barefeet has operations in Kabwe, Ndola, Kitwe, Kaoma and Livingstone. A group of youthful and vibrant performing artists, who work on a partial voluntary basis, comprise the membership of Barefeet. Vast experience, skills and talents is used to educate, inspire and transform the lives of the children we work with.
Barefeet has found that the activities, which utilize the power of creative theatre performance, can be a lifesaving intervention in serious situations where children are in dangerous environments and have lost hope, with no social safety nets.
Barefeet is committed to contributing to the development of children on the streets, previously on the streets or at risk of running from their communities to the streets, into physically healthy, cognitively and socially competent young people. Through the theatre for development methods of play, psychosocial support, creativity and self-expression Barefeet offers these children opportunities for divergent thinking and encourages them to believe in their own capacity to be creative and make positive life choices.
Barefeet gives a voice and a platform to vulnerable youth whilst helping to eradicate stigma attached to living on the street, using the power of theatre to examine issues that are critical, such as hunger, HIV/AIDS, death, drugs or sexual abuse.
SIMPLE AS 1, 2, 3
1) Barefeet believes that every child has the right to shelter, food, education, love and the opportunity to shine. We believe no child should live on the streets.
2) Barefeet aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children and youth in Zambia by providing creative opportunities to express themselves and achieve their full potential.
3) Barefeet has been working with vulnerable children in Zambia for over four years, working to enrich the lives of those living in difficult circumstances. However depending on collaborative partner’s geographical focus, Barefeet also has had activities implemented in other parts of Zambia such as Petauke, Chadiza and Katete
4) Barefeet is committed to contributing to the development of children on the streets, previously on the streets or at risk of running from their communities to the streets, into physically healthy, cognitively and socially competent young people. Through the theatre for development methods of play, psychosocial support, creativity and self-expression Barefeet offers these
children opportunities for divergent thinking and encourages them to believe in their own capacity to be creative and make positive life choices.
5) Barefeet gives a voice and a platform to vulnerable youth whilst helping to eradicate stigma attached to living on the street, using the power of theatre to examine issues that are critical, such as hunger, HIV/AIDS, death, drugs or sexual abuse.
6) Utilising the power of entertainment to inspire, build and transform lives, attitudes and situations.