Description
In the Czech Republic (CR) there is a need to raise awareness of children's rights among children, youth, parents, professionals and the general public with an emphasis on non-discriminatory approach to the issue of access to rights. The project will produce a communication strategy and a related awareness media campaign on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, etc.; an awareness media campaign targeted at the general public in the CR. The social media campaign will use eight short animated films to be created in working groups of 20 children, who will express themselves with respect to their rights under the guidance of professional instructors. The general public campaign will include two expert workshops at FDF Zlín and the Triada Brno conference. PR activities of the project will include a press conference to launch the project and various media appearances and the creation of methodical guide for schools, teachers, school psychologists etc. The project contributes to the fulfilment of CR obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and relates the issue of children's point of view to the topic of their rights. There will not be partner included in the project. The aim of additional activities (approved in June 2016) is to continue with current activities and prepare other marketing tools for media and awareness campaign (posters, work sheets and plate for students, pairs and colouring, 3 gaming applications for mobile phones/ tablets using unfinished screenplay inspired by cartoons). 3 animated videos promoting other topics in the area of vulnerable children´s right (mainly involving children in decision-making processes, duty to protect child interest and right for safety – the issue of bullying and alternative care). For better promo English subtitles will be add to all 11 videos.
Summary of project results
A survey carried out by DOMUS in 2014 showed that although people in the Czech Republic are generally aware of children´s rights, some parents, teachers or experts working with children perceive them as something that threatens their authority and as a result tackle the situations where children´s rights need to be protected with aversion and unwillingness. The aim of the project was to change this attitude and present selected articles of Convention on the Rights of the Child via a media and educational campaign. 11 short animated videos about children´s rights were made and are available on You Tube (
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIS5pp8wElLlmwc4tX8BQng), 3 mobile applications were developed. The videos and applications are based on real stories of children where their rights were not respected. The English version is also available. By the final day of the project, the videos were viewed 267,302 times. Below each video there is a discussion moderated by an expert team. A DVD containing all the videos was made and completed with a methodological guide for teachers. 20 sample lessons based on selected videos and mobile applications were taught at schools. The lessons were recorded and are also used as a methodological material. Other didactic tools that were created during the project are a colouring book, memory game and worksheets. As a part of additional activities, a methodological guide for social workers together with workshops was prepared. The project was promoted on Facebook, Twitter, at a youth film festival JUNIORFEST and on 10 roll-ups around the Czech Republic. The videos were also available to watch on Regio Jet trains. The project significantly helped to change the perception of children´s rights in the Czech Republic so that it is more balanced and non-distorting. It also showed issues that seem to be topical –cyber bullying, bullying, not paying attention to children´s opinions in decision-making processes and unsuitable division of shared custody. It will be crucial to educate the youngest generation and direct it towards the right perception of family, ethical and legal values. The real-life stories proved to be a very effective way of educating as they incited a lively discussion and illustrated the impact of ignoring children´s rights.
Summary of bilateral results