Silver Spring, Maryland—The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Norway has recently completed "Different, But Still Alike", a new musical designed to promote children's education and teach Norwegian children and young adults about diversity. "The musical focuses on how we are all different, with different backgrounds, cultures and different stories," shared Gry Haugen, communications consultant for ADRA Norway. "The idea behind the musical was to provide teachers and choir leaders with a tool to teach children about global issues, and to build friendship across borders. Through learning about the lives of children in other countries we can build solidarity and work for freedom and justice." The musical, composed of stories about children from Peru, Cambodia, Ethiopia and Norway, targets children between the ages of six and 13 and can be used in its entirety, or separately, as a tool to promote discussions in the classroom. One of its main goals is to elevate awareness about ADRA's work, humanitarian development issues, and social responsibility among children. ADRA Norway has begun selling CDs of the musical to choirs, schools, libraries, and to the general public in an effort to raise funds for children education projects. The CD contains a story linked to all seven songs and accompanying lyrics, pictures, and information about ADRA. It also comes with an accompanying resource booklet with sheet music, scripts for the dramatic presentation, and questions to stimulate discussions about topics, such as freedom of choice, fellowship, unity, the environment, and diversity. The packet also includes several project ideas, a poem, and a song with a translation in Norwegian sign language. ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race, or ethnicity. Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.

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Author: Nadia McGill Media Contact: Hearly Mayr ADRA International 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Phone: 301.680.6357 Mobile: 301.526.2625 E-mail: Media.Inquiries@adra.org