The programme is not only intended for entertainment. It is rather educational, as it is part of the regional and international efforts designed to treat the scourge of extremism and terrorism. How is it so? This can be done by exposing the future generations to free competition, as well as to art and culture. It is also designed to forestall any chance of having them filled with thoughts of hatred and exclusion, rather than thoughts of love and construction. In this spirit, I followed with the millions of people the first part of The Voice Kids programme which ended recently. I consequently, would like to highlight the following points:
First: There is a fragmented and suffering childhood in the Arab world. I mean by this children from Iraq or Syria who say, "I am from Iraq and I am coming from another Arab country.'' What brings tears of sorrow streaming is the pain felt in the shivering voices of those children who have fled the sounds of artillery, bullets and explosions. I do recall "the child Fadi" who was forcibly displaced with his family. He used to wake up in the middle of night and weep in fear as the memory that he had been forcibly displace from Mosul is still carved in his heart. The children are crying loudly and stating their right for living in dignity and happiness. The right is scared as it is granted from the Creator Himself.
Second: The old songs are part of the civilization and history. They are part of the elderly's emotions and feelings. They are non-recurring situations. But it's nice, in compliance with the UNESCO's call to preserve the archaeological and historical sites being part of the World Heritage, to preserve the immortal art in its capacity as part of our Oriental Arab culture before being dominated by the waves of globalization which produces songs bereft of mellifluous tunes and impressive Arabic lyric. I recall an interview with the late Mansur Rahbani, who was asked, 'Why did the Rahbanis fail to produce another Fayrouz?" He confidently said: This question is wrong for Fayrouz is a unique phenomenon. We did not fail, but there are nonpareil persons. This programme recites songs "that deserve to be resuscitated."
Third: Jordan is the country of security and stability, which has taken part in various international competitions, including FIFA and Oscar prizes. But, the question is, where are the talents of our children in this pragramme? Shouldn't the country of stability show the talents of our children in this programme? The central question: What is the role played by our school curricula with regards to taking care of the talents of our children free from learning by rote? Isn't it incumbent on us to grasp life through art and culture? The atmosphere of excellence might emanate from atmospheres of injustice, poverty and deprivation, as is the case with the children of Iraq, Syria, Gaza and other countries suffering from wounds and fragmentation. These atmospheres must emerge from wounds and divisions. But, they must definitely emerge from the atmospheres of justice, peace and tranquility, and this is what Jordanians ought to do to show the world.
Fourth: The parents, the educators, and the family have to play a key role in supporting their children and encouraging them in their march towards future even it might seem to be full of pitfalls. It is important to pay due attention when bringing them up by setting good examples, and by confronting problems through getting acquainted with honest competition and assiduity to attain the desired objectives. It also involves accepting failure in high spirits. Yes, parents and educators are the most important example set to the younger generations.
Fifth: There are those who rejoice in the victory of their siblings and there are those who grieve for his failure. Those who accompany talented children to the competition provide evidence that goodness still exists. It is most sublime manifestation of love prevailing in all circumstances. We are frequently pained at seeing others who feel sad for our success and enjoy our failures. The participants in the programme do change this trend and follow something similar to what St. Paul said 200 centuries," Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.''
In the end, it is a competition which brings huge yields, yet it is rich in meanings and significances foremost of which being diverting the attention of children away from destructive thoughts towards constructive thoughts that bring joy rather than devastation.
