The first UNICEF Regional Awards for Media on Child Rights held on February 25
The first UNICEF Regional Awards for Media on Child Rights were handed on February 25th in an official ceremony in Amman, under the patronage of her Majesty Queen Rania al-Abdullah First Eminent Advocate for children.
UNICEF regional director Ms. Sigrid Kaag thanked her Majesty Queen Rania al-Abdullah for attending and lending patronage to this event and emphasized the importance of media's role in covering issues related to children and adolescents and their rights, which was the purpose for choosing 'adolescence' as the award subject for this year.
In her speech, Ms. Kaag said that adolescence was an age of transition, of questioning, of strong conviction and self-doubt; of make or break, an age of apparent contradictions which makes writing about them a special challenge.
full article
February 27, 2009
AWARDS: The first UNICEF Regional Awards for Media on Child Rights (MENA - Middle East and North Africa)
February 26, 2009
COMPETITIONS: International Essay Contest on "The role of science in building a better world"
International Essay Contest on "The role of science in building a better world"
The United Nations has designated 2001-2010 as the "International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World" and 2005-2014 as the "United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development." Not only should young people benefit from these global initiatives, but they should be empowered to play a leading role in them. The theme of this year's International Essay Contest is "The role of science in building a better world." Young people from around the world are invited to submit their innovative ideas on this theme.
Theme: "The role of science in building a better world"
Scientific progress has brought many benefits to humanity, while some applications of science have had adverse impacts. What kind of science and technology do you think is needed for realizing a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable world for all? Please express your vision for the future of science, including examples of studies or researches you wish to engage in.
Guidelines & Deadline here
The United Nations has designated 2001-2010 as the "International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World" and 2005-2014 as the "United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development." Not only should young people benefit from these global initiatives, but they should be empowered to play a leading role in them. The theme of this year's International Essay Contest is "The role of science in building a better world." Young people from around the world are invited to submit their innovative ideas on this theme.
Theme: "The role of science in building a better world"
Scientific progress has brought many benefits to humanity, while some applications of science have had adverse impacts. What kind of science and technology do you think is needed for realizing a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable world for all? Please express your vision for the future of science, including examples of studies or researches you wish to engage in.
Guidelines & Deadline here
February 25, 2009
NEWS / ARTICLES: Turkmenistan children voice their opinions on a new UNICEF-supported TV show
Turkmenistan children voice their opinions on a new UNICEF-supported TV show
Every other Wednesday Rovshen Abylov, the young Turkmen TV anchor, greets viewers on the channel “Yashlyk” (translated as “youth”) and invites them to explore the world of childhood in the newly produced TV show named “Children’s Soul”. Aired specifically for young viewers, the new show introduces children to all possible concepts pertaining to their rights, development and participation.
The children’s TV show is a new initiative of Turkmenistan Yashlyk youth channel and the United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF that aims at advancing overall child development through high quality programming and broadening children’s outlook by increasing their access to ideas and promoting critical thinking and participation in social and cultural life through media.
Each episode of “Children’s soul” is structured into three segments covering the issues of health, education, rights, sports, nutrition, environmental protection, culture, art, science and other themes that are of interest to children of Turkmenistan. The episodes take a form of the talk or discussion, feature stories, field visits, invitation of celebrities to the show, games, songs, cartoons, short social films, demonstration and discussion of books.
“The idea of producing a new TV show for children together with UNICEF occurred when I participated in the OneMinutesJr video workshop on children’s rights, organized by UNICEF and the Ministry of Culture and TV and Radio Broadcasting of Turkmenistan,” starts his story Rovshen Abylov, a twenty year old TV professional who is combining his TV experience with an undergraduate study at the State Institute of Culture majoring in TV production. “It was at the workshop that I understood how awareness of rights and development issues could help children grow up healthy, educated and protected in Turkmenistan. I decided to initiate a dialogue between Yashlyk channel and UNICEF to create a child-friendly programme that would boost both, children’s learning and contribute to their development and I succeeded,” adds Rovshen proudly.
full article
Every other Wednesday Rovshen Abylov, the young Turkmen TV anchor, greets viewers on the channel “Yashlyk” (translated as “youth”) and invites them to explore the world of childhood in the newly produced TV show named “Children’s Soul”. Aired specifically for young viewers, the new show introduces children to all possible concepts pertaining to their rights, development and participation.
The children’s TV show is a new initiative of Turkmenistan Yashlyk youth channel and the United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF that aims at advancing overall child development through high quality programming and broadening children’s outlook by increasing their access to ideas and promoting critical thinking and participation in social and cultural life through media.Each episode of “Children’s soul” is structured into three segments covering the issues of health, education, rights, sports, nutrition, environmental protection, culture, art, science and other themes that are of interest to children of Turkmenistan. The episodes take a form of the talk or discussion, feature stories, field visits, invitation of celebrities to the show, games, songs, cartoons, short social films, demonstration and discussion of books.
“The idea of producing a new TV show for children together with UNICEF occurred when I participated in the OneMinutesJr video workshop on children’s rights, organized by UNICEF and the Ministry of Culture and TV and Radio Broadcasting of Turkmenistan,” starts his story Rovshen Abylov, a twenty year old TV professional who is combining his TV experience with an undergraduate study at the State Institute of Culture majoring in TV production. “It was at the workshop that I understood how awareness of rights and development issues could help children grow up healthy, educated and protected in Turkmenistan. I decided to initiate a dialogue between Yashlyk channel and UNICEF to create a child-friendly programme that would boost both, children’s learning and contribute to their development and I succeeded,” adds Rovshen proudly.
full article
February 24, 2009
OPPORTUNITIES: Ideas sought for radio features on social issues in Central Asia
Ideas sought for radio features on social issues in Central Asia
Radio reporters from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have until March 2 to submit short story proposals on social issues related to women and children in Central Asia. Stories focusing on issues in rural areas are preferred.
Applicants whose ideas are selected will participate in a month-long workshop to produce their feature stories under the guidance of a BBC specialist and with the help of local experts. Participants will receive full technical and financial support. Materials can be produced in any language.
The first-prize winner in each country will go on a week-long study-tour to Yekaterinburg, Russia. Additional winners will receive the latest model of a professional sound recorder.
The contest is being organized by the BBC World Service Trust.
For details and an application, click here.
Source
Radio reporters from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have until March 2 to submit short story proposals on social issues related to women and children in Central Asia. Stories focusing on issues in rural areas are preferred.
Applicants whose ideas are selected will participate in a month-long workshop to produce their feature stories under the guidance of a BBC specialist and with the help of local experts. Participants will receive full technical and financial support. Materials can be produced in any language.
The first-prize winner in each country will go on a week-long study-tour to Yekaterinburg, Russia. Additional winners will receive the latest model of a professional sound recorder.
The contest is being organized by the BBC World Service Trust.
For details and an application, click here.
Source
OPPORTUNITIES: 10-week fellowship to bring young journalists to the UN
10-week fellowship to bring young journalists to the UN
Young journalists from developing nations in Africa, Asia, South America or the Caribbean can apply for the Dag Hammarskjöld Scholarship Fund, a fellowship that grants them a 10-week reporting stint in New York. Deadline: March 22.
From mid-September to late November, selected journalists will be able to see the United Nations at work and report on its proceedings for news media in their home countries.
Applicants must be full-time, professional journalists between 25 and 35 years old, be employed by a recognized print, radio, television, or Internet media organization, and have a good working knowledge of English.
The fellowship will provide round-trip airfare to New York, accommodation, health insurance for the duration of the fellowship, and a daily allowance.
For more information about the fund, click here or e-mail info@unjournalismfellowship.org.
Source
Young journalists from developing nations in Africa, Asia, South America or the Caribbean can apply for the Dag Hammarskjöld Scholarship Fund, a fellowship that grants them a 10-week reporting stint in New York. Deadline: March 22.
From mid-September to late November, selected journalists will be able to see the United Nations at work and report on its proceedings for news media in their home countries.
Applicants must be full-time, professional journalists between 25 and 35 years old, be employed by a recognized print, radio, television, or Internet media organization, and have a good working knowledge of English.
The fellowship will provide round-trip airfare to New York, accommodation, health insurance for the duration of the fellowship, and a daily allowance.
For more information about the fund, click here or e-mail info@unjournalismfellowship.org.
Source
EVENTS: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), sponsors the second Arab Media Forum for youth
Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), sponsors the second Arab Media Forum for youth on February 26, also sponsored by Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Amr Moussa.
Secretary-General of the Arab Media Forum Madhi Al-Khamees told reporters, Monday, KFAED constantly supports youth to direct them on the right path in terms of career, awareness, and culture. The fund plays a major role in supporting developmental efforts, alleviating the suffering of Third World countries, and establishing the basis of a modern life for societies in the Arab World, Al-Khamees added. The fund is also keen on supporting forums and cultural events that contribute to whetting youth talent, he noted. The youth forum is coordinated by the Media College of Cairo University, and over 4,000 students in different specializations will take part The venue aims at preparing the future work force with capabilities to meet the goals included in the development agenda, he said.
Source
Secretary-General of the Arab Media Forum Madhi Al-Khamees told reporters, Monday, KFAED constantly supports youth to direct them on the right path in terms of career, awareness, and culture. The fund plays a major role in supporting developmental efforts, alleviating the suffering of Third World countries, and establishing the basis of a modern life for societies in the Arab World, Al-Khamees added. The fund is also keen on supporting forums and cultural events that contribute to whetting youth talent, he noted. The youth forum is coordinated by the Media College of Cairo University, and over 4,000 students in different specializations will take part The venue aims at preparing the future work force with capabilities to meet the goals included in the development agenda, he said.
Source
February 23, 2009
REPORTS / NEWS: Stereotyped reporting on children dominates the Georgian media, UNICEF report says
Stereotyped reporting on children dominates the Georgian media, UNICEF report says
TBILISI, Georgia - 20 February, 2009
A UNICEF commissioned research revealed that Georgian media lacks overall professional standards, which should be used by journalists and media managers while reporting on children. A research on protecting media ethics and journalistic professional standards while reporting on children called "Ethical reporting on children in Georgia - Situation Analysis" was presented at the media forum attended by leading journalists and news producers of Georgia on 20 February. The main idea of the media forum was to generate a discussion on the topic and to identify next steps on how to further enhance child-friendly reporting in Georgia.
full article
TBILISI, Georgia - 20 February, 2009
A UNICEF commissioned research revealed that Georgian media lacks overall professional standards, which should be used by journalists and media managers while reporting on children. A research on protecting media ethics and journalistic professional standards while reporting on children called "Ethical reporting on children in Georgia - Situation Analysis" was presented at the media forum attended by leading journalists and news producers of Georgia on 20 February. The main idea of the media forum was to generate a discussion on the topic and to identify next steps on how to further enhance child-friendly reporting in Georgia.
full article
February 21, 2009
NEWS / ARTICLES: Kids - Youth Films Score On Nordic Screens
Kids - Youth Films Score On Nordic Screens
20.02.2009
Winter school holiday is on and Nordic kids have flocked into cinemas to see Walt Disney's Bolt last weekend. Nordic movies for small and older kids have also put their mark on local Top charts, such as Denmark's Karla & Katrine, Finland's Forbidden Fruit, Norway's Junior Olsen Gang and Sweden's Glowing Stars.
In its second weekend on 80 Danish screens, Charlotte Sachs Bostrup's Karla & Katrine has climbed from a fourth to second position in the Top Ten, pushing admission figures up to 106,466 for Nordisk Film. With her second film adaptation of Renée Toft Simonsen's Karla's stories, Bostrup should easily beat the 150,000 admissions for Karla's Game in 2007.
In Finland, Dome Karukoski's original and delicate portrayal of forbidden love in Forbidden Fruit, has made it straight to number two at the local Top Ten in its opening weekend. The Helsinki filmi production supported by Nordisk Film & TV Fond was released by Sandrew Metronome on 48 screens for 17,978 admissions. Aleksi Mäkelä's Hellsinki has sold another 10,003 tickets from 59 screens in its sixth week. Total admissions are now at 208,970 for Nordisk Film.
full article
20.02.2009
Winter school holiday is on and Nordic kids have flocked into cinemas to see Walt Disney's Bolt last weekend. Nordic movies for small and older kids have also put their mark on local Top charts, such as Denmark's Karla & Katrine, Finland's Forbidden Fruit, Norway's Junior Olsen Gang and Sweden's Glowing Stars.
In its second weekend on 80 Danish screens, Charlotte Sachs Bostrup's Karla & Katrine has climbed from a fourth to second position in the Top Ten, pushing admission figures up to 106,466 for Nordisk Film. With her second film adaptation of Renée Toft Simonsen's Karla's stories, Bostrup should easily beat the 150,000 admissions for Karla's Game in 2007.
In Finland, Dome Karukoski's original and delicate portrayal of forbidden love in Forbidden Fruit, has made it straight to number two at the local Top Ten in its opening weekend. The Helsinki filmi production supported by Nordisk Film & TV Fond was released by Sandrew Metronome on 48 screens for 17,978 admissions. Aleksi Mäkelä's Hellsinki has sold another 10,003 tickets from 59 screens in its sixth week. Total admissions are now at 208,970 for Nordisk Film.
full article
February 20, 2009
NEWS / ICDB: Akua Sena Dansua launches International Children's Day of Broadcasting (GHANA)
Akua Sena Dansua launches International Children's Day of Broadcasting
The Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Akua Sena Dansua, has stressed the need to target young people in the effort to curb indiscipline in the country. She said, the youth have fertile minds and if acts of discipline are inculcated in them, they absorb them quickly. Madam Akua Sena Dansua said, this at the launch of the International Children’s’ Day of Broadcasting which falls on 1st March in Accra. She noted that if children are engaged in broadcasting, they will be provided the platform to express their views on issues that concern and affect them.
Source
The Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Akua Sena Dansua, has stressed the need to target young people in the effort to curb indiscipline in the country. She said, the youth have fertile minds and if acts of discipline are inculcated in them, they absorb them quickly. Madam Akua Sena Dansua said, this at the launch of the International Children’s’ Day of Broadcasting which falls on 1st March in Accra. She noted that if children are engaged in broadcasting, they will be provided the platform to express their views on issues that concern and affect them.
Source
NEWS / ARTICLES / CHILDREN'S TV: Metamorphoses of the most popular children's cartoon in Kyrgyzstan
Metamorphoses of the most popular children's cartoon in Kyrgyzstan
How can one make the most popular cartoon in a country even better?
Close your eyes. Imagine you are running with your best friend in a field, with a beautiful kite flying high in the sky above you. You are breathless with joy. But wait! You are really in a vaccination room getting an important immunization. And a few moments ago you were so very scared. So it is with little Akylay and Aktan. With the advice of his best friend, Akylay, little Aktan imagines a happy thought and it worked perfectly: no fear at all, and in fact the vaccination was over before he knew it.
Who are Aktan and Akylay? Almost any child in Kyrgyzstan can tell you. They are the two main characters of ‘Keremet Koch’ (‘Magic Journey’), the animated programme produced by the National TV and Radio Corporation. Since the end of 2006, every day during prime time television, Aktan and Akylay have been gathering Kyrgyz children in front of the TV screen for five minutes of entertainment and education. These five minutes take them on an adventure in a fairy tale world that supports early childhood development and gives children and their parents helpful advice.
full article
How can one make the most popular cartoon in a country even better?
Close your eyes. Imagine you are running with your best friend in a field, with a beautiful kite flying high in the sky above you. You are breathless with joy. But wait! You are really in a vaccination room getting an important immunization. And a few moments ago you were so very scared. So it is with little Akylay and Aktan. With the advice of his best friend, Akylay, little Aktan imagines a happy thought and it worked perfectly: no fear at all, and in fact the vaccination was over before he knew it.
Who are Aktan and Akylay? Almost any child in Kyrgyzstan can tell you. They are the two main characters of ‘Keremet Koch’ (‘Magic Journey’), the animated programme produced by the National TV and Radio Corporation. Since the end of 2006, every day during prime time television, Aktan and Akylay have been gathering Kyrgyz children in front of the TV screen for five minutes of entertainment and education. These five minutes take them on an adventure in a fairy tale world that supports early childhood development and gives children and their parents helpful advice.
full article
February 17, 2009
OPPORTUNITIES / COMPETITIONS: World Bank's Essay Competition: call for entries
World Bank's Essay Competition: call for entries
The International Essay Competition 2009 is open for young people aged 18-25 to share ideas about How does climate change affect you? And How can you tackle climate change through youth-led solutions?
Essays, photos and short videos in English, French or Spanish are accepted until 22 February. More information on www.essaycompetition.org
Finalists will participate in the Annual Bank Conference on Development Economics in Seoul, Korea.
Source: EYP newsletter 2/2009
OPPORTUNITIES / RADIO: Germany-based youth radio program: call for journalists
Germany-based youth radio program: call for journalists
A Germany-based youth radio program for kids ages 3 -13 worldwide called Radijojo is inviting radio journalists from around the world to contribute and become part of its network.
Radijojo, which invites children to make their own shows, currently produces educational and cultural content with the contributions of schools, communities, radio stations and child projects from countries in five continents.
Programs are focused on early music education, transnational understanding, health education, ethics, environmental education, science programs, language learning, promotion of peace, political awareness, children's literature, etc.
Interested journalists should contribute radio productions in English, French, Spanish or German. Technical support is also needed for regional parts of the network, such as local radio stations and children projects.
To learn more, go to Radio web. http://www.radijojo.de/Contact: feedback@radijojo.de
ARTICLES / NEWS: China sponges 'SpongeBob' - Cartoon sweeps ratings on CCTV
I think it's interesting because Spongebob is banned before 9 PM but still gets the biggest audience...
Read on!
Chris
-----
China sponges 'SpongeBob' - Cartoon sweeps ratings on CCTV
"SpongeBob SquarePants" has swept to the top of the ratings on Chinese state broadcaster CCTV's Kids Channel. The quirky toon has become the most popular children's show in 15 key cities, drawing viewership of 20.5 million to Bikini Bottom.
SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy and friends, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, have proven a big hit with Chinese auds since bowing in 2006.
The success of "SpongeBob SquarePants" comes despite the fact the toon is not shown until 9 p.m. (In an effort to boost the domestic animation industry, the Chinese government has banned foreign product to the period after peak viewing times.)
full article
Read on!
Chris
-----
China sponges 'SpongeBob' - Cartoon sweeps ratings on CCTV
"SpongeBob SquarePants" has swept to the top of the ratings on Chinese state broadcaster CCTV's Kids Channel. The quirky toon has become the most popular children's show in 15 key cities, drawing viewership of 20.5 million to Bikini Bottom.
SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy and friends, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, have proven a big hit with Chinese auds since bowing in 2006.
The success of "SpongeBob SquarePants" comes despite the fact the toon is not shown until 9 p.m. (In an effort to boost the domestic animation industry, the Chinese government has banned foreign product to the period after peak viewing times.)
full article
February 16, 2009
OPPORTUNITIES: European Youth Media Convention 2009 in Berlin
European Youth Media Convention 2009 in Berlin
Between 1 and 4 March, the European Youth Media Convention 2009 will bring together 35 other young media makers from across Europe to exchange opinions about the situation of young media makers in the different countries and produce media together in workshops.
The main focus will be on Orange Magazine http://www.orangelog.eu/
The event is organized by Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation Berlin, the German Youth Press and the European Youth Press.
Source: EYP newsletter
OPPORTUNITIES: European Young Journalist Award 2009: Apply now!
European Young Journalist Award 2009: Apply now!
The EYP in partnership with the European Commission and Cafebabel launches the 2009 European Young Journalist Award, a pan-European competition for young journalists. The topic of all applications for both categories must refer to the EU enlargement and/or the future vision of Europe.
In addition to written online or print articles, the 2009 award is also open to radio journalists. Participants' age must be between 17 and 35, and they must come from a EU member state, a candidate or a potential candidate country (Western Balkans and Turkey).
Participants can enter the competition via the dedicated website: www.EUjournalist-award.eu. It also provides information about the EU's enlargement policy, interesting tips on developing a career in journalism, as well as an interactive blog. The competition is open from the 1 February until the 31st of May 2009. For more information visit http://www.eujournalist-award.eu/
The winning articles and radio pieces will be published on the competition website and the articles will also be published in a booklet. The 35 national winners of the 2009 European Young Journalist Award will be invited at the end of August/beginning of September 2009 to a cultural and historical trip to Berlin. At the end of the trip the winners will be able to meet EU representatives, politicians, ambassadors, professional journalists.
Source: EYP newsletter
ARTICLES: Advertising aimed at children 'unethical'
Advertising aimed at children 'unethical,' says Raffi
By Sarah McGinnis, Calgary Herald February 13, 2009
Direct marketing to young children is "unethical," iconic Canadian children's entertainer Raffi told more than a thousand teachers at the Calgary teachers convention on Thursday.
Raffi Cavoukian, 60, is best known for his signature song Baby Beluga.
He said he has never advertised to kids directly during his three-decade career as a children's entertainer.
"It is unethical to market any products to children who are not old enough to understand the pitch," Cavoukian said.
"There are laws against this in Scandinavian countries and also in Quebec. A child-honouring society would not exploit its children; it would respect them in every way possible."
full article
By Sarah McGinnis, Calgary Herald February 13, 2009
Direct marketing to young children is "unethical," iconic Canadian children's entertainer Raffi told more than a thousand teachers at the Calgary teachers convention on Thursday.
Raffi Cavoukian, 60, is best known for his signature song Baby Beluga.
He said he has never advertised to kids directly during his three-decade career as a children's entertainer.
"It is unethical to market any products to children who are not old enough to understand the pitch," Cavoukian said.
"There are laws against this in Scandinavian countries and also in Quebec. A child-honouring society would not exploit its children; it would respect them in every way possible."
full article
February 13, 2009
NEWS / EVENTS: Mobile phones can call for health, education and safety, UNICEF says
Mobile phones can call for health, education and safety, UNICEF says
11 February 2009 – Cell phones can play an important role in education, crisis situations, and in monitoring health and nutrition, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stressed today at the opening of a conference on innovation.
The conference, called “Web4Dev: Innovation for Access” and hosted by UNICEF, brings together academics, experts in technology, UN officials and development professionals to explore the application of new and existing communication technologies to dire problems in poor and isolated areas of the world.
“The task here this week is to put innovation and technology at the service of humanity,” Ann Veneman, UNICEF’s Executive Director, said as she opened the three-day meeting in New York.
She cited as an example a health-monitoring initiative in Malawi, led by UNICEF and Columbia University, which allows rural health workers to use mobile phone technology to relay data on children’s health and nutrition and receive instant, expert advice on critical interventions.
That initiative known as the “RapidSMS” text-messaging system, shared first prize in the United States development agency’s innovation competition, known as the “Development 2.0 Challenge” last year.
full article
11 February 2009 – Cell phones can play an important role in education, crisis situations, and in monitoring health and nutrition, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stressed today at the opening of a conference on innovation.
The conference, called “Web4Dev: Innovation for Access” and hosted by UNICEF, brings together academics, experts in technology, UN officials and development professionals to explore the application of new and existing communication technologies to dire problems in poor and isolated areas of the world.
“The task here this week is to put innovation and technology at the service of humanity,” Ann Veneman, UNICEF’s Executive Director, said as she opened the three-day meeting in New York.
She cited as an example a health-monitoring initiative in Malawi, led by UNICEF and Columbia University, which allows rural health workers to use mobile phone technology to relay data on children’s health and nutrition and receive instant, expert advice on critical interventions.
That initiative known as the “RapidSMS” text-messaging system, shared first prize in the United States development agency’s innovation competition, known as the “Development 2.0 Challenge” last year.
full article
NEWS / EVENTS: Kids' films tackle grown-up themes at Berlin festival
Kids' films tackle grown-up themes at Berlin festival
BERLIN (AFP) — The 59th Berlin Film Festival this week has a whole section of films about the world as seen through children's eyes but many tackle shockingly adult themes.
"Niloofar" for example is a film about a 13-year old Iraqi girl trying to hide the fact that she has started to menstruate in order to put off for as long as possible her arranged marriage.
Set in Iraq but using Iranian actors, one day the truth emerges. Niloofar runs away and her brother is told to kill her to preserve the family honour.
"I think it's a bit heavy going for children," the film's Lebanese director Sabine El Gemayel admits.
Another rough ride that is worlds apart from children's classics like "The Lion King" or "The Wizard of Oz" is "Gagma Napiri" ("The Other Bank") by Georgian director George Ovashvili.
It tells the story of a 12-year-old boy called Tedo living on the outskirts of the Georgian capital Tbilisi, a refugee from war in the breakaway Abkhazia region.
Tedo decides to go back to be with his father, who was unable to flee because of poor health -- a journey that opens his eyes to how nasty adults can be, witnessing at one point a woman being raped and an unarmed man being shot.
"This is a movie about a child but it's not a children's movie," Ovashvili said. "One girl said to me she was scared. I'm afraid if they are scared."
full article
BERLIN (AFP) — The 59th Berlin Film Festival this week has a whole section of films about the world as seen through children's eyes but many tackle shockingly adult themes.
"Niloofar" for example is a film about a 13-year old Iraqi girl trying to hide the fact that she has started to menstruate in order to put off for as long as possible her arranged marriage.
Set in Iraq but using Iranian actors, one day the truth emerges. Niloofar runs away and her brother is told to kill her to preserve the family honour.
"I think it's a bit heavy going for children," the film's Lebanese director Sabine El Gemayel admits.
Another rough ride that is worlds apart from children's classics like "The Lion King" or "The Wizard of Oz" is "Gagma Napiri" ("The Other Bank") by Georgian director George Ovashvili.
It tells the story of a 12-year-old boy called Tedo living on the outskirts of the Georgian capital Tbilisi, a refugee from war in the breakaway Abkhazia region.
Tedo decides to go back to be with his father, who was unable to flee because of poor health -- a journey that opens his eyes to how nasty adults can be, witnessing at one point a woman being raped and an unarmed man being shot.
"This is a movie about a child but it's not a children's movie," Ovashvili said. "One girl said to me she was scared. I'm afraid if they are scared."
full article
February 11, 2009
NEWS / PROJECTS / RADIO: Alleged Child Witches to undergo UNICEF radio training (NIGERIA)
Alleged Child Witches to undergo UNICEF radio training
Late last year, Nigerians and the rest of the world were jolted by a documentary on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom about child witches in Akwa Ibom, a revelation that made Nigerians both at home and in Diaspora to lend a helping hand to the children at the Child's Right and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN).
The reach out has continued with the latest being an agreement by UNICEF to publish a manual about the progress of the children and also to train some of the children at the centre for a month in an FM station to produce radio programs they would use in fighting the child witch scourge which is still prevalent in Akwa Ibom State.
Trend'tainment was informed by a Canada-based Nigeria, Mr. Chidi of this development.
full article
Late last year, Nigerians and the rest of the world were jolted by a documentary on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom about child witches in Akwa Ibom, a revelation that made Nigerians both at home and in Diaspora to lend a helping hand to the children at the Child's Right and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN).
The reach out has continued with the latest being an agreement by UNICEF to publish a manual about the progress of the children and also to train some of the children at the centre for a month in an FM station to produce radio programs they would use in fighting the child witch scourge which is still prevalent in Akwa Ibom State.
Trend'tainment was informed by a Canada-based Nigeria, Mr. Chidi of this development.
full article
NEWS: EU reaches accord to curb online ‘bullying’
EU reaches accord to curb online 'bullying'
[Cyberbullying] Seventeen social networking sites in Europe, including Facebook and MySpace, signed a pact Tuesday aimed at curbing 'cyberbullying' and protecting the privacy of underage users, the European Commission said. The commission, the executive arm of the European Union, said the agreement would reduce the risk of online harassment among children and curb 'grooming' - the practice of adults' befriending children online with the intention of committing sexual abuse. The use of social networks has grown over the past year by 35 percent in Europe and is expected to more than double to 107.4 million users by 2012, the commission said. It warned that this increase would expose more children to online risks. MySpace, owned by News Corp., last week revealed to U.S. investigators that it had barred about 90,000 registered sex offenders from using the site over the past two years. The voluntary agreement, the European Commission said, is intended to ensure that private profiles of users under the age of 18 are not searchable on the Web sites or search engines; provide an easy-to-use and accessible 'report abuse' software button, allowing users to report inappropriate contact from or conduct by another user with one click; and ensure that the full online profiles and contact lists of Web site users who are registered as under 18 years of age are set to 'private' by default, making it more difficult for people with bad intentions to contact young people. (International Herald Tribune)
Source
[Cyberbullying] Seventeen social networking sites in Europe, including Facebook and MySpace, signed a pact Tuesday aimed at curbing 'cyberbullying' and protecting the privacy of underage users, the European Commission said. The commission, the executive arm of the European Union, said the agreement would reduce the risk of online harassment among children and curb 'grooming' - the practice of adults' befriending children online with the intention of committing sexual abuse. The use of social networks has grown over the past year by 35 percent in Europe and is expected to more than double to 107.4 million users by 2012, the commission said. It warned that this increase would expose more children to online risks. MySpace, owned by News Corp., last week revealed to U.S. investigators that it had barred about 90,000 registered sex offenders from using the site over the past two years. The voluntary agreement, the European Commission said, is intended to ensure that private profiles of users under the age of 18 are not searchable on the Web sites or search engines; provide an easy-to-use and accessible 'report abuse' software button, allowing users to report inappropriate contact from or conduct by another user with one click; and ensure that the full online profiles and contact lists of Web site users who are registered as under 18 years of age are set to 'private' by default, making it more difficult for people with bad intentions to contact young people. (International Herald Tribune)
Source
NEWS / AWARDS: Sheikh Majid Youth Media Awards' organizing committee announces prizes
Sheikh Majid Youth Media Awards' organizing committee announces prizes
The Organizing Committee for the Sheikh Majid Youth Media Awards today announced the prize amounts and time schedule for the second annual Award, which aims to stimulate and promote emerging media talent among national youth.
full article
The Organizing Committee for the Sheikh Majid Youth Media Awards today announced the prize amounts and time schedule for the second annual Award, which aims to stimulate and promote emerging media talent among national youth.
full article
February 10, 2009
NEWS / WEBSITES: IJNet now available in Russian
IJNet now available in Russian
Russian-speaking journalists can now access the International Journalists' Network (IJNet at www.ijnet.org) in their native language. IJNet connects an unparalleled global network of journalists and media development organizations through cutting-edge social networking tools, discussion spaces, forums and news stories on worldwide journalism activities.
IJNet adds Russian to its multilingual media assistance portal, available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and Persian. A free Russian language bulletin, This Week in IJNet, will reach interested subscribers each Monday, and will contain all the latest news and information related to journalism training and opportunities.
IJNet, launched in English in 1998, is the world's premier resource for the media assistance community. It is published by the International Center for Journalists, ICFJ. For more information about ICFJ, go to www.icfj.org.
Please visit IJNet Russian at https://www.ijnet.org/ru.
Russian-speaking journalists can now access the International Journalists' Network (IJNet at www.ijnet.org) in their native language. IJNet connects an unparalleled global network of journalists and media development organizations through cutting-edge social networking tools, discussion spaces, forums and news stories on worldwide journalism activities.
IJNet adds Russian to its multilingual media assistance portal, available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and Persian. A free Russian language bulletin, This Week in IJNet, will reach interested subscribers each Monday, and will contain all the latest news and information related to journalism training and opportunities.
IJNet, launched in English in 1998, is the world's premier resource for the media assistance community. It is published by the International Center for Journalists, ICFJ. For more information about ICFJ, go to www.icfj.org.
Please visit IJNet Russian at https://www.ijnet.org/ru.
February 9, 2009
OPPORTUNITIES: Oman and UAE news organizations invited to apply for new high school journalism program
Oman and UAE news organizations invited to apply for new high school journalism program
The High School Journalism Education Program supports partnerships between newspapers, broadcast media and high schools to develop strong scholastic journalism programs in Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). News media organizations in Oman and UAE are invited to apply for this two-year program to serve as advisors to participating schools.
Five news media organizations, including up to four Arabic-language outlets, will be selected in each country. Two journalists from each organization will act as mentors to educators and students, providing face-to-face and online guidance to develop print, broadcast and/or online news programs. They will also facilitate internships for high school students in the summer of 2009 and 2010.
A group of 10 journalist-mentors will be invited for an intensive journalism training program at Northwestern University in Qatar from June 7-20, 2009. Mentors who are unable to attend this training will take an online professional development course facilitated by the International Center for Journalists.
The program is funded by the US Department of State's Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and administered by iEARN-USA in partnership with the Academy for Educational Development, International Center for Journalists, Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and the Daniel Pearl Foundation.
Interested news media outlets in Oman and UAE are requested to contact Anindita Dutta Roy at anindita@us.iearn.org.
EVENTS: Safer Internet Day 2009 - February 10, 2009
10 February 2009, mark the date!
Safer Internet Day 2009 is fast approaching. Around the date of the event, a wide array of activities will take place across Europe and the world, ranging from press-conferences and workshops for children to rock concerts and seminars for educators and parents.
At a flagship event in Luxembourg on 10th February, young European winners of the SID 2009 quiz will be awarded their prizes by EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media, Viviane Reding. This centralised event, bringing together internet safety stakeholders, will focus on social networking, a recent phenomenon widely adopted by young people. The main social networking sites active in Europe will sign an agreement in which industry will commit itself to maximize the benefits of the Internet while managing the potential risks to children and young people.
To empower children and young people to deal with these risks, on Safer Internet Day the Commission will launch a Europe-wide communication campaign and unveil a video clip on cyber-bullying, one of the most frequent problems young people encounter on the internet. Thanks to the cooperation of the INSAFE network, public and private TV will broadcast it throughout Europe. A longer version of the video will also be disseminated on the internet, especially on sites that are popular among teenagers.
Needless to say, the commitment to a Safer Internet overrides geographical boundaries. On 10 February the Insafe network will join up with organisations from all over the world in a virtual exhibition ground. The Insafe virtual fair will open its doors to the public on 10th February and close on February 24th. By accessing this worldwide event at www.sidfair.org, visitors will be able to get an overview of what is going on in their country, browse resources in their language and watch videos.
To learn more about Safer Internet Day meetings in your region or at the international level this year, stay posted at: www.saferinternetday.org
Keep it fun, keep control.
More info
Safer Internet Day 2009 is fast approaching. Around the date of the event, a wide array of activities will take place across Europe and the world, ranging from press-conferences and workshops for children to rock concerts and seminars for educators and parents.
At a flagship event in Luxembourg on 10th February, young European winners of the SID 2009 quiz will be awarded their prizes by EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media, Viviane Reding. This centralised event, bringing together internet safety stakeholders, will focus on social networking, a recent phenomenon widely adopted by young people. The main social networking sites active in Europe will sign an agreement in which industry will commit itself to maximize the benefits of the Internet while managing the potential risks to children and young people.
To empower children and young people to deal with these risks, on Safer Internet Day the Commission will launch a Europe-wide communication campaign and unveil a video clip on cyber-bullying, one of the most frequent problems young people encounter on the internet. Thanks to the cooperation of the INSAFE network, public and private TV will broadcast it throughout Europe. A longer version of the video will also be disseminated on the internet, especially on sites that are popular among teenagers.
Needless to say, the commitment to a Safer Internet overrides geographical boundaries. On 10 February the Insafe network will join up with organisations from all over the world in a virtual exhibition ground. The Insafe virtual fair will open its doors to the public on 10th February and close on February 24th. By accessing this worldwide event at www.sidfair.org, visitors will be able to get an overview of what is going on in their country, browse resources in their language and watch videos.
To learn more about Safer Internet Day meetings in your region or at the international level this year, stay posted at: www.saferinternetday.org
Keep it fun, keep control.
More info
February 8, 2009
NEWS / AWARDS: Youth media awards will accept entries (UAE)
Youth media awards will accept entries
Dubai: The Organising Committee of the Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Youth Media Award announced the launch of the second edition of the award.
The award aims to stimulate creative energies of emerging media talent in the UAE.
The competition will accept submissions from February 15 until March 22, after which the public will start voting for the finalists in each category.
"Launching the second edition of the award is a symbol of our continuous support to Emirati talents and providing them with opportunities to excel in the media sector given the vital and imperative role that this sector plays in portraying Dubai's image in the global scene and we are confident that this award will attract a tremendous pool of UAE talents and will achieve more success than the first edition," said Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Patron of the award.
full article
Dubai: The Organising Committee of the Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Youth Media Award announced the launch of the second edition of the award.
The award aims to stimulate creative energies of emerging media talent in the UAE.
The competition will accept submissions from February 15 until March 22, after which the public will start voting for the finalists in each category.
"Launching the second edition of the award is a symbol of our continuous support to Emirati talents and providing them with opportunities to excel in the media sector given the vital and imperative role that this sector plays in portraying Dubai's image in the global scene and we are confident that this award will attract a tremendous pool of UAE talents and will achieve more success than the first edition," said Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Patron of the award.
full article
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