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“What started as a few modest workshops with children living on the streets of Zambia has organically grown into one of the most exciting and inspiring projects working with children in the country” (Grainne O’Neill Barefeet Co-Founder).
Barefeet is a creative arts and performance project staged, rehearsed and presented mainly, though not exclusively, by children on, or formerly on, the streets of Zambia. The project uses theatre, art, dance, music and creative writing as a tool to engage with and support the development of children most at risk of disengaging from their communities. Barefeet offers them an opportunity to have their voices heard and a channel through which to express themselves. It works. Its not rocket science, by giving children some encouragement, confidence, self belief and allowing them to ’shine’, you can really start to work together to find brighter opportunities.
It enables children to be children
It enables children to be children and to discuss topics or issues they feel important and ultimately allows them to showcase their talent while giving them dignity and worth.
The overall goal of Barefeet is to prevent children from living on the streets and the organisation works with its partners to assist in the shared goal of moving the children on the street to a safer environment.You can give a human being water, food and clothes for their back, but unless you work with a human being’s spirit… change will take time. 
Uniquely Barefeet is made up of young artists, most of whom were formerly on the streets, who are now working as artists/ facilitators and managers with various responsibilities.Currently, Barefeet has more than 30 members in five Zambian cities who work in various disciplines, passing skills and encouraging creativity, discipline and ambition among the young people. From issue-based drama to political satire, from popular musical theatre to gruelling physical spectacles, Barefeet Theatre relishes the versatility of the group in creating relevant and vibrant new work.The company is frequently commissioned to write and perform new pieces of theatre throughout Lusaka and beyond. Together the workshop facilitators and children produce several performances during the year, culminating the the annual ‘Barefeet Festival’ every October where each of the centres performs for their peers, and the general public!
