15-Year-Old Kiwi Singer Launches Online Anti-Bullying Resource
Nakita Turner, the 15-year-old Christchurch singer/songwriter whose anti-bullying anthem “One Voice” went viral earlier this year, today releases an online tool for teachers and youth workers.
In March Nakita Turner’s song and music video “One Voice” received over 50,000 views in a week. Stories poured in from around the world of the effect of the young advocates
message.
“When I started this project, all that mattered was that it helped at least one person,” says Nakita. “Seeing the
response has been overwhelming. It has not just had an influence here in New Zealand, but all over the world. 167
different countries have viewed it on YouTube.”
She has now teamed up with youth organisation Zeal, through its advocacy department Live For Tomorrow, to produce a free online resource to help spark conversation in schools and communities around bullying. The resource
is now available at http://www.livefortomorrow.co.nz/onevoice.
“It is an easy to use, inspirational tool for teachers, youth workers, educators, and community groups,” says Nakita. “I also hope it will encourage other students to make a stand and start their own projects, dreaming big to make a
change in their communities.”
The online resource includes and a range of video content and questions, including the “One Voice” song, a behind the scenes documentary and Nakita sharing simple ways to take action. The behind the scenes documentary was produced by high school students from across
Canterbury, who received the mentorship of film and television professionals from around the world.
“Since Nakita released her hit song, she has received countless requests to speak at schools and events,” says Zeal
Operations & Advocacy Manager, Elliot Taylor, who co-produced the resource. “This resource makes it easy for every teacher and youth worker, whereever in the world
they may be, to have their young people hear Nakita’s inspirational message.”
Nakita’s work to reduce bullying resulted in a Change Makers Award from the Ministry of Youth Development in May.
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