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Description
This initiative involves the training of 200 Primary & Secondary school educators from all over Greece on issues regarding the advocacy of the rights of children. For this purpose, we have selected two short films about the violation of articles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Specifically: “My Letter to the Oilmen”, 2019, Nigeria (art. 24, the right to clean drinking water, dangers from pollution), and “Jamila”, 2019, Sweden (art. 22, protection of the legal standing of child refugees). We plan to hold 4 webinars with 50 places each, where teachers will watch the selected film. The screening will be followed by a participatory presentation of methodology through classroom simulation, group-activities, role-playing games etc. The presentation will train educators in a methodology of raising awareness and educating their students on issues of the rights of children. This methodology is based on tools and techniques of media analysis on narrative themes, as a direct means for students to identify with the experiences of the protagonists. The presentation will include participation from artistic contributors to the films who will speak about their approach to issues around specific articles from the Convention within their work. Educators then hold screenings of the selected film in the classroom, followed by group discussions promoting awareness, respect and understanding of the issues around rights of children. In this way, they transfer the knowledge and experience that they gained through our webinar. The Festival curates and provides an accompanying educational kit for further work and study in the classroom. The presentation and educational kit are designed by educators, acting pedagogy specialists and child psychologists. After the completion of the webinars, the Festival will make the films and educational kits available on the project’s webpage for 20 days.
Summary of project results
- Lack of alternative and creative educational methodologies for teaching Human Rights and the Rights of the Child in schools.
- The overwhelming influence of audiovisual media on young people, highlighting the need for Audiovisual Media Literacy (AML) to critically analyze and engage with media.
- The necessity of introducing sensitive social topics in classrooms in ways that resonate with children.
- Training Educators:
- Conducted 4 webinar sessions, training 121 primary and secondary school educators on Human Rights and the Rights of the Child.
- Screened films addressing breaches of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child:
- My Letter to the Oil Men for primary educators.
- Jamila for secondary educators.
- Delivered interactive teaching methodologies (classroom simulations, group activities, role-playing).
- Educational Materials:
- Provided participants with a detailed educational kit.
- Made the films available online for two weeks for classroom use.
- School Implementation:
- As of December 2021, the program had been applied in classrooms, benefiting 4,844 students across Greece.
Outcomes and impacts:
- Educators:
- Gained tools to teach sensitive social issues through audiovisual media and interactive methodologies.
- Enhanced confidence and skills in engaging students on Human Rights topics.
- Students:
- 4,844 students gained awareness of Human Rights and critical thinking skills through innovative lessons.
- Developed media literacy skills, improving their ability to analyze and critique media narratives.
- Future Impact:
- Contributed to cultivating active, informed citizens who are aware of social issues and can engage with them critically.
Beneficiaries:
- Educators (121 primary and secondary school teachers).
- Students (4,844 directly impacted through classroom activities).
- Broader educational community, through the promotion of audiovisual media literacy.