Reflections of WTC Children

Backed by charter sponsors, EDS/A.T. Kearney and Planet Impact, Reflections of WTC Children is a program that centers around facilitated writing workshops for children impacted by the September 11 attacks and the presentation of this material--plays, monologues, poetry, short stories--in benefit theater performances.

The goal: to provide children of the World Trade Center victims with an avenue for self expression and healing in the present and also to secure educational opportunities—e.g., college scholarships—for the future.

Reflections of WTC Children will address the following needs:

Voice for the Children:
The September 11 attacks and the victims have received significant press and research attention; however, there appears to be little “voice” for the children. Many children who have lost a parent may be hesitant to share themselves for various reasons such as protecting their surviving parent and the natural distance of adolescence.

Friendships and Linkages:
To date, linkages between these children may be difficult to forge. The need for privacy and/or the retreat into self-imposed isolation inhibits them from getting to know each other and sharing their feelings.

Healing for the Children and Community:
Unable to express their feelings, children may suffer from issues that lie buried within and thus are not receiving adequate or proper attention. In turn, the community loses the valuable lessons that these children may provide if they are given the opportunity to wrestle with these issues in a safe and nurturing environment.

Educational Opportunity:
Finally, the financial resources of these children may have been gravely impacted in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. Funds to pay for either extracurricular summer activities or college are no longer available.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Writing Workshops
Children of victims of the 9/11 WTC disaster will participate in facilitated writing workshops to develop material--monologues, skits, poems, short stories--in response to 9/11.

• In conjunction with the New York Board of Education, twenty-five children between the ages of 10 and 18 will be identified and invited to participate in the workshops.
• One writing coach and one counsellor will be provided for every five children.
• Workshops run for six weeks from June 22 to August 10, 2002.
• Saturday sessions will allow for parents to attend.
• Space will be provided by A.T. Kearney. Food and beverages will be donated by in-kind sponsors.
• Reflections is currently speaking with partner organizations to identify and secure qualified writing coaches and certified social workers for the workshops.

Benefit Performances
Professional actors and directors will bring the material developed in the writing workshops to life in two benefit performances entitled: "Reflections: Post 9/11 New York Through The Children’s Eyes".

• In partnership with Brave New World, the first benefit performance will take place on Wednesday, September 11 from 2pm - 4pm (matinee) as part of the Brave New World 9/11 Commemorative Theater Event. Location: Town Hall. We hope to fill the audience with children from the New York public school system as sponsored by corporations and foundations.
• The second performance will take place on Saturday, September 14, 2002. Venue: To be determined. This performance will be geared towards the general public.
• The written works of Reflections: Post 9/11 New York Through The Children’s Eyes will be compiled in an anthology/book which will be sold on the evening of both performances.
• Proceeds from ticket sales, book sales and corporate sponsorship will be donated to a need-based college scholarship fund for the children of the victims of the WTC disaster.

For further information on: Reflections of WTC Children, please contact:

Cecilia Cariega: Cecilia.Cariaga@atkearney.com
Heather Smith: Heather_Smith@atkearney.com
Kevin Chinoy: kevinchinoy@hotmail.com