UNICEF

This article from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) describes the release of a music album, ‘Shout it Out’, by children of Tamil Nadu, India, on November 14 2005, Children's Day. This album by children is part of the East Side Story production – a project of the NalandaWay Foundation. Participation of children through theatre, films, radio arts, and music through the East Side Story project is the goal of the NalandaWay Foundation. Over 2,100 children from the districts of Krishnagiri, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Kanchipuram, Kanyakumari, and Chennai have been involved in creating over 39 productions on various themes. The project encourages children to participate in local self-governance through recording their stories. Eastside Story creates a network of child teams, ages 12 to 18, in area villages, towns, and cities to research, write, and film stories on issues with which they are concerned, for publication and broadcast in newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and internet. Children are encouraged to use theatre, dance, and other performing arts to communicate their messages at appropriate events and forums. This album contains child-authored songs on participation, unity, and speaking out on child-related issues.


The films and songs from East Side Story productions, as well as articles and audio interviews of child participants, can be viewed at: Eastside Story website.