Editor's corner

Dear Readers,

How can we improve our sad world, full of conflicts that fester for generations and new problems that are ever more complex? Any permanent change must involve children, so they learn how to break away from the past and address new challenges with fresh perspectives. Children's development and education is therefore the most serious business in the world.

The objective of ICAF's international festivals is to do what is not possible in everyday schooling or typical educational experiences. The participating children learn the importance of nurturing their individual creativity, and the significance of their collective creativity. They learn how to cross borders, both physical and psychological. Young artists work with each other, under the guidance of world-famous artists and educators. They exchange home and email addresses so they can remain in contact with each other, perhaps throughout their lives.

The festival starts a ripple effect, emanating from the National Mall, that embraces schools and communities around the world.

We hope that after reading this issue on the festival, you too will join the ICAF family to help build world peace and encourage children's creativity and cooperation through the arts.

Ashfaq Ishaq

COPYRIGHT 2003 International Child Art Foundation
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group