6 Apr 2012

LAOS / CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Some of the most creative people Laos joined forces for an early childhood development workshop initiated to strengthen skills and produce quality child friendly media. Participants included storytellers, artists, singers, young people and a range of media professionals. UNICEF

Posted at: April 6, 2012 12:03 am

Duration: 02:37

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STORY: LAO / CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
TRT: 2:37
SOURCE: UNICEF
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH/ nATS

DATELINE: 27 FEBRUARY 2012, VIENTIANE, LAO

SHOTLIST:

1. Various shots, media workshop
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Barbara Kolucki, UNICEF Social Communication Consultant:
"A very important aspect of communicating with children is to make sure we're not just reaching their head, we're not just teaching them 123 or ABC but that we're also touching their heart. We're trying to excite them about life and a love of learning and if there are children there who are hurting because their disabled or because they are experiencing discrimination or perhaps they have been abused or perhaps experiencing a death in their family. We can also produce communication that speaks to them directly and helps heal their heart."
3. Various shots, media workshop

STORYLINE:

Gathering together in a hotel in Vientiane, some of the most creative people Laos has to offer joined forces for an early childhood development workshop.

The workshop was initiated to strengthen skills and produce quality child friendly media from local creative talent.

Participants included storytellers, artists, singers, young people and a range of media professionals.

The participants were split into groups and each group was given the task of producing high standard children's media in various formats.

The groups began working on their projects almost immediately with each individual bringing new and innovative skills and perspectives.

Workshop facilitator Barbara Kolucki ensured all the groups were creating their products with a child like frame of mind.

SOUNDBITE (English) Barbara Kolucki UNICEF Social Communication Consultant:
"A very important aspect of communicating with children is to make sure we're not just reaching their head, we're not just teaching them 1-2-3 or ABC but that we're also touching their heart. We're trying to excite them about life and a love of learning and if there are children there who are hurting because their disabled or because they are experiencing discrimination or perhaps they have been abused or perhaps experiencing a death in their family. We can also produce communication that speaks to them directly and helps heal their heart."

Using a child friendly approach each group hoped to speak to children in all demographics. Some groups decided to write songs; others decided to capture the imaginations of children using animation and art, whilst some used more traditional methods of entertainment

As the workshop drew to a close, the participants presented their projects to the Ministry for Information Culture and Tourism, UNICEF and other partners.

As part of UNICEFs long term strategy, many of the products produced during the workshop will be televised and developed into longer productions.

Aiming to reach children from all walks of life and communicate in a way they can understand and enjoy.