Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Media Kidocracy Konference 2007

Children take on the media for the eighth time

From December 5th to 10th, young people from around the world will converge on Robben Island to take part in the eighth annual Bush Radio Media Kidocracy Konfrence (MKK 2007).
The main theme of MKK 2007 is the celebration of rights and it comes at the time of the 18th anniversary of the UN Convention on the rights of the child.

Some of the topics identified for discussion by the children at this year's conference include virginity testing and circumcision, child trafficking, cultural identity, global warming, human rights and sexuality.

The conference aims to enable children and youth to identify the social issues pertinent to themselves and their peers as well as to talk about the power of the media — and how to use it.

Conference co-ordinator, Nashira Abrahams-De Jongh, says a highlight of this year's event is the partnership between Bush Radio and UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund).

This partnership has enabled the participation of young people from various parts of Africa, as well as access to various experts in the field of media and child rights.

Abrahams-De Jongh adds: "Bush Radio, Africa's oldest community radio station project, started MKK eight years ago because children are often seen as passive absorbers of the media. MKK shows that they are the ones who can influence the media by actively producing their own material."

MKK 2007 not only celebrates the 18th Convention for Rights on Children through discussions and debates but also through practical workshops where the young participants will create radio and television broadcasts, as well as publish material in print and online.

"We want young people to share how they experience social issues in their lives. How they deal with it, and how they can change it," says Abrahams-De Jongh.

The conference culminates with a live broadcast from the island, on the International Children's Day of Broadcasting (10 December 2007), on
Bush Radio 89.5fm.

All media queries can be directed to:
Adrian Louw - Programme Integrator, Bush Radio 89.5 FM, on 021 448 5450 or adrian@bushradio.co.za.

Pics: MKK 2006

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