The Accra International Children’s Arts Festival (KIDDAFEST) 2003, has been launched at the National Theatre yesterday in Accra.

Themed – “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”, the festival is slated for the 17th to 21st December, 2003. The show would attract participants from Nigeria, Togo, Benin, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Germany, England, and the United States of America.

Launching the festival, the chairperson of the |national Theatre Board, Miss Joyce Rosalind Aryee, explained that the arts indisputably play a critical role in all spheres of national development and unite, create avenues of enduring peace, and act as catalysts in the holistic development of the youth.

Miss Aryee said KIDDAFEST is all about enhancing education, both formal and informal, through the arts, enhancing social interaction amongst children and promoting understanding of diverse cultural practices.

The chairperson prayed KIDDAFEST 2003 to be the clarion call for the restoration of distinct cultural identity reflecting the true values of chastity, patriotism, discipline and the dignity of labour and respect for the aged since the survival of the nation depends on them.

She urged participants to distinguish this year’s KIDDAFEST as one that would vigorously pursue these values.

Professor Komla Amoaku, Chief Executive of the National Theatre, in his welcome address, explained that KIDDAFEST 2003 is dedicated to encouraging child artistes and all children to embrace the festival as a forum that would offer them the opportunity to appreciate artistic and creative works and by so doing, develop vital skills including the ability to express themselves, negotiate differences and make responsible choices that will guarantee their survival in tomorrow’s hostile world.

Programmes outlined for the festival include an ECOWAS fashion show, a mock parliament, music, dance and drama.

The show is receiving sponsorship from the Japan Embassy, Akosombo Textiles Limited, Ghana Textile Printing, Black Studios, Emefa Jewelry Production, UNICEF, Public Affairs Section, the US Embassy and Ambassade du France au Ghana.