Songs on the road from the youth

They say there is a book in every one of us. In other words, we all have a story to tell but some of us just don’t know how to tell it. In the same way, there is a song inside every one of us too. This is the philosophy of a company called Songcraft, founded by Kenn Davis.  Songcraft maintains that everybody has a song inside and all they do is help people craft it.
Over the past few years, Songcraft has been providing song-writing workshops for people of all ages and backgrounds. Their objective is to offer the fun and magical experience of making music to those who normally don’t have the chance. Now, this music-making company is releasing a compilation of songs written and performed by Youthreach centres across the country. Featuring on this On The Road 2010 CD/DVD compilation is a song written by the pupils of Ennis and Miltown Malbay Youthreach centres.
The project offered youths a voice to discuss what they deemed important. The young adults responded spectacularly by voicing their sentiments in a highly creative display. The selection of songs written and performed by these youngsters from various centres throughout Ireland tell a similar story, a re-current message of disconnection and exclusion from society. In a sometimes sad, yet energetically engaging fashion, the sense of indifference and struggle with responsibility is evident in the lyrics. Not only should this message be heard, adults should listen to what it is exactly that these young folk are saying. 
“The compilation captures Songcraft’s journey across the country as they crafted songs with the youth of our nation. The creativity and talent that the CD shows is a testament to the artistic ability of our future adults. It also raises the question of whether the current conventional educational system is looking after a particular portion of our society. It appears that presently this system only caters for one ‘type’ of person; the academic student who will excel within this framework while the more creatively or practically minded will unfortunately sink,” said Kenn.
“The role of Youthreach in our society is for the kind of student whose needs aren’t being met by the current academic structures of education. Youthreach does what is says on the tin – it reaches kids; those who need a particular sort of help. Whether it’s a second chance at education, a confidence lift or an alternative step into employment, it offers another way.” 
Visit www.songcraft.ie to hear or see any of the songs/videos written for the CD. The compilation can also be purchased through the website and 50% of sales will go towards the development and future projects of Youthreach.