The CARE for Kids Foundation’s Kids to Kids Project Really Works.

What is the Kids to Kids Project?

Young people from diverse backgrounds are brought together to share their experiences with substance abuse, violence, teenage pregnancy, HIV, depression, low self-esteem, and other issues that our youth must face today.

Students who wish to participate in the creative portion of the project then write and perform or  present a collection of creative pieces based on the shared experiences. These performances are both educational and expressive in nature, exposing issues facing today’s youth, illustrating solutions, and evoking emotions surrounding these issues in a safe place.

The process of sharing real life experiences is the heartbeat of the program, as it creates a venue in which kids will discover that they are not alone, that their problems are not unique, and together they can find solutions. They will deliver the message to other kids who are often much more open to listening to each other than they are to adults.

How does it work?

Here are a few of the areas in which the Kids to Kids project succeeds:

Self-Esteem. The creative process, followed through from start to finish, gives students a finished product to be proud of and an understanding that they are an integral part of something important. Especially for those who may not be accomplished in athletics or academics, this program holds a place for any young person to excel.

Responsibility. Students are held accountable for the entire creative process. They have a job to do, and are expected to be an active part of the group. Being challenged and keeping a commitment are important contributions to a young person’s success, self-esteem and confidence.

Confidence. Being an active and valued member of a group builds confidence. It is especially vital for young people facing difficult choices to have confidence that they are not alone in their struggles. This knowledge helps them to confidently make good decisions.

Peer-to-Peer Communication. It is difficult for most young people to listen to adult advice when they feel that they can’t relate. “You just don’t understand” is a common phrase in most students’ book. Some don’t even have a responsible adult role model, let alone one they can relate to. The bottom line is this: young people need to talk to each other- to provide support and arrive at solutions while being guided by adults.  The Kids to Kids project creates a venue in which kids discover that they are not alone, that their problems are not unique, and that together they can find solutions.

Friends and Role Models. The process that occurs while sharing stories and expressing feelings through a creative process is one of the greatest benefits of the program. During this time, students have the opportunity to share the truth about themselves and, through this process, nurture lifelong friendships and develop trust in mentors.

Passing on the Knowledge. Those who come to see the performances– Youth, Teachers, Parents, and Community Leaders alike– are educated on relevant issues facing students and on how students view them and cope with them. This spreading of awareness throughout the community is an integral step in preventing the problems at hand. Many who see the performances are inspired to participate in a similar program implemented in their own school or community.