ArabiCulture News

Adolescents speak out

   AMMAN (JT) - The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) this year supported the production of four television programmes by and for youth, in response to a request made by adolescents in Jordan to produce and broadcast their own television programmes. Young people, aged 12-17 years, have been working hard since the summer on researching, planning, and producing programmes focusing on HIV/AIDS, violence against children and sports, according to UNICEF. "We had great fun, it was a great experience. We really had the chance to express ourselves, and we spoke a lot about the problems we are facing and seeing. We studied and researched cases related to abuse, particularly sexual, physical and neglect. We hope that we can help through our shows," said Amal Al Emlah, 16, a participant from Zarqa. The 25 talented adolescents producing these shows come from Amman, Zarqa and its neighbouring villages. The young producers benefited from UNICEF-supported projects in cooperation with the ministries of health and education, as well as the Higher Council for Youth. "Sar Waktuna" (Our Time has Come) is the name chosen by the youths to highlight their need for television programmes, and to give them the chance to say what they want in the manner they want. The first episode was broadcast on the local and satellite channels of Jordan Television on Dec. 2 to commemorate World AIDS Day celebrated the day before. The other episodes will be broadcast today and next Friday at 4:00pm. The episodes encompass field reporting, interviews with abused children, discussions about the results of research conducted by the youths for each subject, and television spots by UNICEF goodwill ambassadors Mahmoud Kabil and David Beckham. A wrap-up will be made on the International Children's Day of Broadcasting on Dec.16, where these children will go live on television after the broadcast of their third episode. Here, adolescents will evaluate their experience, host guest speakers, and will be taking phone calls. They will also highlight important e-mails (saarw2tna@yahoo.com) and faxes (+9626-4779411) they receive from the public. The International Children's Day of Broadcasting takes place every year in December. Through its 165 field offices, UNICEF encourages broadcasters to open their airwaves and broadcast studios to young people, so that they can produce programming from a child's perspective. This day gives children the opportunity to express themselves by creating shows focusing on their own concerns, hopes and ambitions. Friday-Saturday, December 9-10, 2005