The winner from each department will sing their original song about the issue of restavek and the treatment of children, and new judges will crown the national grand champion. Judging criteria will be the same: lyrics, vocals, orchestration, and presence on stage.
Here are the 10 finalists competing to become the National Champion, explaining how Songs for Freedom has impacted them and their communities:
Since winning, I now see children in a new light. I see them as the same, regardless of their color or social classes. I have been building awareness and worked with poor children, showing them that they are children like all the others and that they have plenty of potential. This competition has affected my entire community. I know a lady who was mistreating a child, repented of her dishonest acts, and became a person who is actively engaged in fighting [the restavek] system.
Before my participation in [Songs for Freedom] I did not understand truly understand what the restavek system was. But from the competition I have a good understanding of the system and I see children in a whole different way. On my way home after the finale, a lady crying came to meet me. She told me that her consciousness was touched and repented of the way she was abusing a child who lived in her home. This continues to happen to me and people are embracing this noble cause.
I did not have an open view of children [in restavek] before entering this contest. Now that I know, I have to give my support for the cause of children. The contest remains something indelible in the memory of the people in my community. There is a lot of testimony about how people have changed and are treating children more the same – because in their looks and actions, we see love for children everywhere.
I love kids, but after my participation in the contest I have more love for poor children. I had invited several people who mistreated the [restavek] children to the contest. After they attended, several of their minds were changed and they testify that they understand the children who stay with them differently.
Before my participation in the contest I didn’t have enough compassion for vulnerable children but now I understand their misery and I engage to defend their cause. At the level of my neighborhood I can say that the mentality has started to change regarding children in restavek.
I have given special attention to children since my participation in the contest. I cannot see them mistreated and I am engaging to defend them. In my department, hearts have been touched and attitudes have changed. As the BPM inspector says, there is a decrease in complaints about children being abused since Songs for Freedom came to the Center department.
My philosophy of children began to change in the first round where I was second. Now my vision is totally changed in relation to how I treat children because now I see my image in them. There is more motivation and determination; I have seen better treatment of children in my neighborhood since the competition.
My conviction to help children was strengthened after my participation in the contest. I know at least one lady who abused a child. The day I registered to compete in the contest I invited her to come to hear my message. She was totally changed regarding treatment toward the child. Now she takes care of her and treats the child well.
After my participation in the contest I look at children now with a desire to know if they are well or happy where they are. People in my community are thinking and acting in a different way towards children.
This is my second time participating in Songs for Freedom. I can say I understand vulnerable children much more and I give them my love and my time. The restavek system was something abstract in people’s thoughts but now they understand it and promote its eradication in my community.
STAFF PROFILE: Meet Nadine Nadine began working with Restavek Freedom five years ago, but she became a friend of Restavek…
When six-year-old Andrew Conn entered Cathy Andry’s kindergarten class at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy in 2013, she never dreamed that…
For the kids we serve, summer camp isn't just another fun week - it's a rare opportunity to become friends…
When 10-year-old Catherine entered Restavek Freedom’s child advocacy program three years ago, she was living with her foster mother. At…
Staff Spotlight: Meet Luckens When Luckens joined the Restavek Freedom team last year, he was no stranger to the issue…
When Jane Bauer began researching slavery for her adult discussion group at Jerusalem Presbyterian Church in Wisconsin, she was surprised…