Kids' Crossroads
Launched in 2004, Kids' Crossroads is a youth project that produces television programming that aims to educate youth, their parents, neighbours and decision-makers about topics related to growing up. A magazine-style television programme covers topics ranging from conflict resolution and prevention to social inclusion and health issues. Kids’ Crossroads is a three-year initiative being implemented with financial support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Internews Georgia and UNICEF.
Communication Strategies
Each Kids’ Crossroads' programme features teen-produced clips on healthy lifestyles, a news segment and segment about a current issue, investigated by young reporters from any or all of the three participating countries. This aims to help the young audience in each country to see the similarities and differences within the Caucasus, creating an opportunity for exchange of views between adolescents living in the region.
The participants, all of whom are between 14 and 18 years old, have received training at annual summer camps in video production and reporting, which enables them to create their own programming.
According to UNICEF, living in a region with political and economic difficulties, 15-year-old Georgian journalist Nana Kalandarishvili from Tbisili and her friends in Armenia and Azerbaijan felt that it is important to have a platform allowing them to speak out. “I have learned a lot through the project already. We have so much to tell to our peers,” says 16-year-old Nick Kvrivishvili, a reporter for the show. “What we have to tell them is something nobody has ever told them before. Regardless of where we are from, we understand each other better.”
The participants, all of whom are between 14 and 18 years old, have received training at annual summer camps in video production and reporting, which enables them to create their own programming.
According to UNICEF, living in a region with political and economic difficulties, 15-year-old Georgian journalist Nana Kalandarishvili from Tbisili and her friends in Armenia and Azerbaijan felt that it is important to have a platform allowing them to speak out. “I have learned a lot through the project already. We have so much to tell to our peers,” says 16-year-old Nick Kvrivishvili, a reporter for the show. “What we have to tell them is something nobody has ever told them before. Regardless of where we are from, we understand each other better.”
Development Issues
Youth, Conflict
Key Points
‘Kids’ Crossroads’ is a youth version of an adult television programme considered regionally to be a household name - ‘TV Crossroads.’ UNICEF estimates that the first programmes of Kids Crossroads are reaching an audience of up to 5 million people.
Sources
UNICEF website and Kids Crossroads website, January 30 2006.
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