During
2006 and 2007, Tapori International[1]
asked children to participate in its campaign “Listen to Us and We’ll Change the
World!” by working together to make silhouettes and to present themselves and
their ideas to other children around the world. A silhouette is what we see when we meet
someone for the first time. But our
first impression can often be wrong.
Once we get to know that person, we also see what they have in their
heart.
We
first asked children to read the true story of Ono and Rene, two boys from the
Democratic Republic of Congo. Then
each child asked a friend to draw her silhouette and wrote about or drew herself and
her hopes for the world. Once the
silhouette was decorated, it was sent to Tapori.
A
number of silhouettes were exhibited at the
Next
Tapori will send the artwork around the world in “silhouette suitcases” so that
children in other places can discover them. The silhouettes travel with a
description of the children that made them, photos of their countries, or other
objects to create links between children.
[1] Tapori is a worldwide network of friendship between children of all backgrounds. It was created and is run by the International Movement ATD Fourth World, an anti-poverty NGO. Tapori’s slogan is “All children should have the same chances.”
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Su is originally from the
suburbs of
This year Su decided to come
by herself to live under the bridge outside of this period. She is able to stay in touch with her
mother regularly by telephone. Su
is 14 and was only able to go to one year of school. Even if she considers herself
illiterate, an adult who works with her tells us that she can read and write her
name and even simple children’s books.
When she returned to the
community under the bridge, the other inhabitants invited her to join a Chinese
acrobatic group. When Su doesn’t
put on shows for parties and holidays with this group, she asks for money in
front of the neighboring Buddhist temple.
She also participates in art and cultural activities organized by the
NGO, ATD Fourth World Movement.
During the silhouette
exhibit at the UN, a number of visitors were very touched by Su’s silhouette and
story. One who lives in her area
asked how he can help. We hope that
an arrangement will be found for Su and other children like her in this and
other communities will be able to return to school.