UNICEF, SSTV enter a joint pro-children partnership

By Julius N. Uma

May 13, 2010 (JUBA)- As part of efforts to promote positive media coverage of children, United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and South Sudan Television (SSTV) have formed a joint partnership, through a new television series.

The new series, dubbed ‘Peace in My World’ is reportedly comprised of 18 short films produced by Southern Sudanese children, which will be aired on SSTV every Saturday from 6:00pm, starting May 15.

According to a UNICEF statement issued yesterday, the one-minute episodes were produced by 18 children who participated in five days of basic TV production training conducted by Theoneminutes Foundation; an experienced Dutch TV production organization.

“Through UNICEF’s generous support, these children will now form the foundation for engaging other children in meeting the information needs of our young generation,” Francis Duku, SSTV’s Acting Director said.

Ken Maskall, UNICEF’s Officer in Charge for the Director of Operations (Southern Sudan Area Programme) said this partnership was all about helping build media that is capable of giving children a voice through which to express their hopes and aspirations as well as their concerns inline with the fundamental rights of children.

“This is one way we can all be reminded of the need to support and promote the rights of children,” Mr. Maskall said.

Meanwhile, UNICEF appealed to the media fraternity in Southern Sudan to engage children in generating and producing content through which their voices can be heard as mechanism to enhance their contribution to policy making and development.

Sudan Tribune has also learnt that training of young film makers is one of several workshops UNICEF Southern Sudan Area Programme has undertaken to give children a means for addressing important issues.

In 2009, for instance, UNICEF Southern Sudan also supported the training of 30 children in the production and broadcasting of radio reports on current affairs via Southern Sudan Radio Juba.

During this period, however, child videographers reportedly learnt about pre-production planning, film and narrative techniques, and post-production. Their films mainly focused around the theme of peace as well as some of the challenges children face, notably child neglect, violence, and abuse that exist in homes, schools, and the community.

The one-minute videos were reportedly premiered in a mini festival at the UNICEF office compound, bringing together the child producers, their parents, and friends.

(ST)