Advocacy is not the most tangible vehicle to help the millions of children living on the streets under extremely difficult circumstances. It is, however, only through advocacy that we can mobilize the force of public opinion, which is needed to make a change in the social and economic structures that are largely to blame for the massive violations of children's rights.

Stairway uses the arts as a means to confront, debate and to campaign the issues of marginalized children and youth around the world.

 

Animation Against Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

Stairway Foundation has produced two very powerful animations that deal with the issue of child sexual abuse and exploitation.  The award winning Daughter, A Story of Incest and our most recent animation, A Good Boy, A Story of Pedophilia, have helped to raise consciousness and to break the silence surrounding the issue of child sexual abuse and exploitation.  Animation is a powerful tool to address sensitive issues like child sexual abuse and exploitation.  Non-threatening and non-intimidating, animation transcends the limits of language and cultural specificity to generate dialogue with young people.  They can see their own lives reflected in the story, and they are encouraged to talk and to think about their unique challenges head-on.

 

Cracked Mirrors, Street Children Realities

"Cracked Mirrors" a bold attempt at understanding the deep pain and suffering children go through as a result of sexual abuse.  Through a series of various poignant and gripping vignettes, we get a glimpse into the hidden lives of the victims.  We meet Aira, a thirteen year old girl, held captive in a brothel. We learn about Ellen, a young girl molested by her uncle, who wishes she were a different person. We witness Jhao's mental struggle with society's indifference to his plight as a street child abused by pedophiles.

 

Goldtooth, a Street Children's Musical

Former street children, under Stairway Foundation, Inc. in collaboration with professional artists and musicians have produced a musical sensation called "Goldtooth, A Street Children's Musical". It is a story about a young street kid named Karate, who gets caught in the exploits of Goldtooth, a pimp and a pusher. Goldtooth ruthlessly uses Karate and other street kids for his own personal gain.

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