New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS): Showcasing photos and self-made short films on themes like friends, family and school, around 100 kids from slums and shelter homes from seven states in the country have gathered here to express their take on life.

Organised by NGO World Vision India, the first ever Child Journalists Summit in the capital was inaugurated Saturday. It will culminate Monday.

"The summit with its theme - 'My life is a story' - attempts to provide a platform for children living in difficult circumstances to express themselves in front of their urban counterparts, NGOs, policy makers, the media and the nation as a whole," World Vision India National Director Jayakumar Christian said.

The summit began with the screening of short films and a photo exhibition at Dilli Haat - the popular south Delhi hub for handicrafts and delicacies from all over India.

"The participants are from seven states and they had submitted 15 films, of which 12 have been shortlisted and are being screened here," Ajitson Samuel Justus, who guided the selected kids, told IANS.

"The process began six months ago and I visited all the seven states," he added.

Justus initially taught the kids to use the camera and eventually made them understand the nuances of movie making.

"It was fun working with them as all the kids were very eager to learn," he said.

The 12 films ranging between two and four minutes each were based on themes like friends, family and school and an amalgamation of stories that the children wanted to tell.

The summit also has a photo exhibition by the kids.

"When the first time I held the video camera in my hands I was scared. But when I started shooting the scenes, I gained confidence. I am very happy with the final product," said Venkat from Bangalore.

All the 12 films will be screened again at the Alliance Francaise on Children's Day Monday.